[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 3 (Tuesday, January 8, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H232]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING OFFICER JOSEPH SHINNERS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Utah 
(Mr. Curtis) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. CURTIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and sacrifice 
of one of Utah's finest. Master Officer Joseph Shinners of the Provo 
Police Department was, tragically, killed on Saturday night in the line 
of duty.
  At the time, he was responding to assist in the arrest of a dangerous 
fugitive with a history of violence towards citizens and police 
officers when he was struck by gunfire and died as a result of his 
injuries.
  Joe leaves behind his loving wife, Kaylyn, and 1-year-old son, Logan.
  Mr. Speaker, my heart aches every time an officer is killed in the 
line of duty, but this one is personal. When Joe made his decision to 
work for Provo PD, I was his mayor. In a very real way, I feel 
responsible for his training, his work at Provo City, and his safety. I 
am deeply saddened by this terrible news.
  I stand here on the floor of the House of Representatives, and I 
speak for the entire Provo community when I say that Joe is a true 
hero. He gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect us, and we owe him 
and his family our deepest gratitude.

  The chief of the Provo Police Department, Richard Ferguson, described 
him as intelligent, honorable, hardworking, and one of his all-stars. 
Chief Ferguson described him as the officer you would like to show up 
at your door in your crucible moment.
  He was born in Boston and graduated high school in Springfield. He 
grew up in a home that valued and respected public service, with his 
siblings serving as policemen and his father, a retired fire captain.
  During his 3 years of service at the Provo Police Department, he 
worked mostly in Provo's thriving downtown and on the SWAT team. He 
also served on the bicycle patrol and as a field training officer.
  Most importantly, he was a good man, husband, and father. One of his 
fellow officers remembered that there was a time that he arrested 
someone and gave them a hug just as he was arrested to offer them 
comfort. That was the type of cop he was.
  My wife, Sue, and I offer our deepest sympathy to Provo PD, the 
family and friends of Joe, and hope that they know we will never forget 
their sacrifice--especially to Kaylyn and Logan.
  Our brave policemen and -women face serious potential danger every 
time they say good-bye to their families and leave their homes to go on 
patrol, and they know that it is possibly the last time they see them 
and it could be their final good-bye.
  I take this moment to express my sincere appreciation to all of our 
Nation's first responders and police officers, but today, especially, 
to those of Provo City. We love you, respect you, and thank you.

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