PROVO, Utah — A candlelight vigil for fallen Provo Police Officer Joseph Shinners took place at 48 South, 300 West Wednesday night.
Hundreds gathered to remember and honor Officer Shinners, who was shot Saturday night in a parking lot at 50 West University Parkway before dying at the hospital.
Some of the speakers who spoke to the gathered crowd included Provo Police Chief Richard Ferguson, who spoke to the many accomplishments and talents of the fallen hero – from being a hockey player to a brave officer who was not afraid to get in and take the bad guy down.
Some of the most emotional moments came when Shinners family members spoke to the crowd. Officer Shinners’ father, a retired firefighter, thanked those who came out in the cold to show support at the vigil.
“Our Joey was about love, family and friends and the citizens he served, all of you. I can truly see that this is a community that truly loves its first responders,” said John Shinners.
The Shinners are a family committed to service, with two brothers in law enforcement
The candlelight gathering in 30-degree temperatures was a time to remember Officer Shinners and was a call to those in attendance to continue to support law enforcement as well.
The funeral service takes place Saturday, January 12 at 11:00 a.m. at the UCCU Center on the UVU campus in Orem. Officer Shinners will be laid to rest in Springville afterward. KSL Newsradio will broadcast the funeral starting at 11 a.m.