On January 5, 2019, 29-year-old Master Officer Joseph Shinners, a three-year veteran of the Provo Police Department, left his family for his scheduled graveyard shift—never to see them again. Sadly, his fate was to become the first U.S. law enforcement officer to be killed in 2019 and the first Provo Police Officer to be killed in the line of duty in more than 100 years. Shortly after her husband’s death, Kaylyn found out she was pregnant and now has a beautiful newborn, who looks just like his daddy. Kaylyn would like to share her story, take time to remember Joe, and raise awareness of an opportunity to give the appropriate support to Joe as he is honored at an upcoming ceremony in DC.
This May, during the 39th Annual Peace Officers’ Memorial Service in Washington DC, Officer Shinners’ name will be added to the historic National Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial Wall. The Memorial Wall is made up of two, 304-foot-long blue-gray marble structures, and recorded on each are the names of the more than 21,000 officers who have been killed in the line of duty throughout United States’ history, dating back to the first known death in 1786.
At this historic event, it is the goal of the Police Department to send several members of the department, including those who were closest to Joe, to attend Police Week 2020 in our Nation’s Capital. One of the ways in which they will be raising funds is with the Officer Shinners' Memorial Concert on Thursday, January 2 and Friday, January 3 featuring country music artist Billy Dean at the Covey Center. Both shows begin at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are now on sale for anyone interested. While you’re out buying gifts this holiday season, please consider giving the gift of love and support to the Shinners' family. Tickets can be purchased at https://tix6.centerstageticketing.com/sites/coveycenter/event-details.php?e=1531 or by calling the box office at 801-852-7007.
I want to thank our community for continued support and compassion. Officer Joe Shinners was part of our family and his wife Kaylyn and their two sons, always will be!
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