Utah Senate honors Salt Lake County deputy Emmalani “Lonnie” Takatoa killed while rescuing partner

The Utah Senate read a formal citation recognizing Deputy Emmalani Nani Takatoa Utui — known to family as Lonnie — for what lawmakers described as an act of heroism on Jan. 29, 2024. The citation, read aloud on the floor, notes Takatoa pushed his girlfriend out of icy water at Settlement Canyon Reservoir and later died from the incident. He was 20 and had recently graduated from the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office Academy on Jan. 11.

Members of Takatoa’s family were asked to stand in the chamber so colleagues could honor them. Lawmakers said Takatoa’s prior service as a U.S. Marine and his decision to enter civil service exemplified bravery and devotion to community safety. The citation offered condolences to his family, friends and colleagues and was signed on behalf of the Legislature by President J. Stewart Adams, Speaker Mike Schultz, Senator Karen Kwan and Representative Tyler Clancy.

Senators and the presiding officer asked the chamber to observe a moment of silence and offered brief remarks of sympathy and thanks to first responders. The reading on the floor and the presence of family members concluded with a formal vote to adopt the citation as entered in the record.

Senate staff identified family members by name while inviting them forward; the citation text and signatories were read into the record by the clerk. No further legislative actions tied directly to the citation were taken during the morning session.