ALL NEWS

Wife of fallen Utah police officer thanks community, talks about struggles

Dec 3, 2019, 2:46 PM | Updated: Dec 30, 2022, 11:25 am

Kaylyn Shinners found out she was pregnant with Colton, show here with his father's cap and name tag, just days after the funeral of Provo Master Officer Joseph Shinners. Photo: William Swanson

SALT LAKE CITY — The widow of the first Utah police officer to die this year in the line of duty is speaking about what life has been like since, and how she hopes to get to Washington, D.C. to honor him in May.

Remembering Provo Master Officer Joseph Shinners

As we approach the one year mark of the murder of Provo Master Officer Joseph Shinners, Kaylyn Shinners spoke Tuesday extensively for the first time about the joys and sorrows of this past year on KSL NewsRadio’s Dave and Dujanovic Show.

Shinners was gunned down on Jan. 5 as officers were apprehending a fugitive.

Just days after her husband’s funeral in January, Kaylyn learned she was going to have another baby.

“It was really overwhelming at first to find out I was pregnant. But as things settled in, I’m so grateful that Logan has a brother to go through this with, and that they’ll be together.”

“He’s a good baby,” she said.

master officer joseph shinners

Colton Shinners is seen here with his father, Provo Master Officer Joseph Shinners’ badge. Photo: William Swanson

Colton is now two months old, and their son Logan is two-and-a-half years old.

Shinners says she’s now trying to raise money for their families and fellow officers to go to Washington, D.C. That’s where they will see her husband’s name placed on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, alongside some 21,000 names of other officers killed in the line of duty since they began keeping records in the late 1700s.

“We have a chance to connect with other families that have gone through this, and the officers have a chance to connect with co-workers and friends that have lost. That will be in its own way sad and healing to be with others who understand, and know.”

officer shinners

Deb shares a cuddle with Colton, the son of slain Provo Master Officer Joseph Shinners, in the KSL studios.

A GoFundMe account has been set up with a goal to reach $85,000 in donations so several dozen of Master Officer Shinner’s coworkers from the Provo Police Department and his family members can make the trip to DC for the 39th Annual Peace Officers’ Memorial Service in May 2020.

Utah rallies behind grieving families

During her live interview, Kaylyn talked about how grateful she has been for everyone’s support.

officer shinners

Kaylyn Shinners with son Colton alongside Debbie Dujanovic in the KSL studios on Dec. 3, 2019.

“I can’t thank people enough for even the little things. People tell me they are thinking about me, they are praying for me, they love me. It is so wonderful, and it is overwhelming,” Kaylyn said.

On social media, KSL NewsRadio listeners rallied behind Kaylyn as she nervously prepared for her first interview:

Love to your family and this beautiful little one.

Words cannot express the extreme sorrow for your loss.

I used to work at the Provo PD, and have thought and prayed over your family often this past year.

Kaylyn emphasized how appreciative she is for the love she feels.

It strengthens me on those days that are dark and heavy and I don’t want to get up and do anything,” she said.

Legacy of a fallen hero

As Kaylyn prepares to mark year one since her husband’s death, she can take comfort in knowing that Utahns never seem to forget their fallen heroes and the sacrifices their families have made.

special agent sam cowley

Photo: FBI

In fact, it’s been 85 years since FBI Special Agent Sam Cowley, who has family living in Utah and Idaho, was killed during a gunfight with notorious bank robber Baby Face Nelson. Nelson was named the FBI’s public enemy #1 and Director J. Edgar Hoover put Cowley in charge of tracking him down. Cowley, his partner, and Nelson were all killed in a hail of gunfire in November of 1934.

This Thanksgiving weekend a crowd of family, friends and FBI special agents gathered at a cemetery in Salt Lake City to place an American flag on Cowley’s headstone and pay tribute to a man who sacrificed his life to stop an infamous one-man crime wave.

His great-nephew, Peter Sadler, addressed the crowd of supporters who’d driven through a snowstorm to honor Cowley.

“Sam’s commitment and dedication, and his complete integrity to the American people in the pursuit of justice is second to none,” he said.

Sadler said the memorial for his great uncle is proof that officers like Shinners and others, who lay down their lives in the line of duty are never forgotten.

Sam Cowley, Jr., the son of Special Agent Sam Cowley, attended a memorial service in honor of his father 85 years after he was gunned down in a shootout with a notorious gangster. Photo: Debbie Dujanovic At the memorial service for Special Agent Sam Cowley, 85 years after he was gunned down in a shootout with Baby Face Nelson. Photo: Debbie Dujanovic Peter Sadler, the great-nephew of Special Agent Sam Cowley, spoke at a memorial for the fallen agent in Salt Lake City last month. Photo: Debbie Dujanovic At the memorial service for Special Agent Sam Cowley, 85 years after he was gunned down in a shootout with Baby Face Nelson. Photo: Debbie Dujanovic FBI agents and other law enforcers gathered Nov. 29, 2019 at Wasatch Lawn Cemetery to honor Special Agent Sam Cowley, killed in the line of duty in November 1934. Photo: Debbie Dujanovic At the memorial service for Special Agent Sam Cowley, 85 years after he was gunned down in a shootout with Baby Face Nelson. Photo: Debbie Dujanovic

“It doesn’t matter which agency you work at, people who get into this line of work and end up giving their lives will never be forgotten.”

Dave & Dujanovic can be heard weekdays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on KSL NewsRadio. Users can find the show on the KSL NewsRadio website and app, as well as Apple Podcasts and Google Play.

Listen on Google Play Music

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Today’s Top Stories

All News

The OLRGC released an analysis of the expected topics to be discussed during a special session of t...

Simone Seikaly

Extending state flooding emergency, firearm restrictions, among topics for Utah special session

The OLRGC released an analysis of the expected topics to be discussed during a special session of the legislature.

11 months ago

A video recorded by Facebook user Larry Jacquez shows the police response following the shooting in...

Jamiel Lynch, CNN     

At least 3 people killed and 2 officers wounded in a shooting in Farmington, New Mexico, police say

Multiple people were shot and at least three killed in a shooting in Farmington, New Mexico, police said in a Facebook post.

11 months ago

A new release from Intermountain Healthcare shows that younger adults are becoming more susceptible...

Waverly Golden

Younger adults are becoming more susceptible to strokes

A new release from Intermountain Healthcare shows that younger adults are becoming more susceptible to stroke.

11 months ago

If you plan to camp over Memorial Day Weekend, you may want to begin the planning process now....

Allessandra Harris

Camping over Memorial Day Weekend? Plan ahead

If you plan to camp over Memorial Day Weekend, you may want to begin the planning process now.

11 months ago

slcpd on the scene of the deaths...

Josh Ellis

Police: Teen killed by father in murder-suicide in SLC office building

Police responded to the office complex near 3000 S. Highland Drive on Saturday after emergency responders received a call from a community member who reported finding a body.

11 months ago

Melissa Coleman crouches next to her husband, , Brad Coleman, of North Ogden, who sits in a wheelch...

Jenny Carpenter, KSL.com

Young stroke victim survives with quick, lifesaving treatment in northern Utah

After a 36-year-old man had a stroke, he and his wife say to be aware of the signs of stroke and that young people are also at risk.

11 months ago

Sponsored Articles

close up of rose marvel saliva blooms in purple...

Shannon Cavalero

Drought Tolerant Perennials for Utah

The best drought tolerant plants for Utah can handle high elevations, alkaline soils, excessive exposure to wind, and use of secondary water.

Group of cheerful team members high fiving each other...

Visit Bear Lake

How To Plan a Business Retreat in Bear Lake This Spring

Are you wondering how to plan a business retreat this spring? Read our sample itinerary to plan a team getaway to Bear Lake.

Cheerful young woman writing an assignment while sitting at desk between two classmates during clas...

BYU EMBA at the Marriott School of Business

Hear it Firsthand: 6 Students Share Their Executive MBA Experience at BYU’s Marriott School of Business

The Executive MBA program at BYU offers great opportunities. Hear experiences straight from students enrolled in the program.

Skier being towed by a rider on a horse. Skijoring....

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking for a New Winter Activity? Try Skijoring in Bear Lake

Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. The driver leads the skiers through an obstacle course over jumps, hoops, and gates.

Banner with Cervical Cancer Awareness Realistic Ribbon...

Intermountain Health

Five Common Causes of Cervical Cancer – and What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month and cancer experts at Intermountain Health are working to educate women about cervical cancer.

Kid holding a cisco fish at winterfest...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get Ready for Fun at the 2023 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest

The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy.

Wife of fallen Utah police officer thanks community, talks about struggles