"Over the last few days things have happened to me that I would never expect in a million years," Hammond said into a microphone. "I don't have the right words to say. All I can say is, thank you very much for the support that I've been given by the Salt Lake City Police Department.

"I just want to express my heartfelt condolences to the victims of that tragic event the other night," he added. "I feel bad that I didn't react sooner and prevent more loss of lives."

Salt Lake City Police Chief Chris Burbank took an opportunity to tell the lawmakers, "What officer Hammond did by taking his own personal safety and setting it aside and responding to citizens in need is exactly what we expect of our police officers."

Referring to his own officers who have been recognized for their service at Trolley Square, Burbank added, "All of our officers would have done exactly the same thing and put themselves in harm's way, just as these officers did."

After Burbank's comments, Valentine presented him with a unit citation.

While watching televised news of the Trolley Square shooting, Sen. Lyle Hillyard, R-Logan, said his wife told him about the officers, "'I don't know what you're paying these people, but it's not enough.' I think that's the feeling of all of us."

Several senators heaped praise upon the officers before they headed over to the House for more recognition.

Rep. Brad Dee, R-Ogden, represented the House in thanking the officers for their "heroic deeds" and bravery.

"On a night when Utah saw some of the worst of human nature, Utah also witnessed some of the best of human nature," Dee said.

House Speaker Greg Curtis, R-Sandy, called for a moment of silence for the victims in the mall shooting.

Earlier Friday morning, the five officers learned from Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert that Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. had declared Friday as Ken Hammond Appreciation Day and Trolley Square Heroes Day of Appreciation. Huntsman, who was unable to attend the presentation of the declarations, had already signed each document.

The declaration in Hammond's honor calls him "an enduring symbol of Utah's great police force who do their duty to 'Serve and Protect' every day."

After a morning at the Capitol, Scharman, who brought along his wife and children, said, "It's completely overwhelming, and it's quite a lot to take in."

Carly Christensen, a close friend of Hammond's, looked on at all of the events with a sense of pride. "He's a fantastic man and a wonderful cop," she said.

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Contributing: Lisa Riley Roche, Shawn Mansell

E-mail: sspeckman@desnews.com