By Josh Resnek
A Utah police officer killed while trying to apprehend a fugitive last weekend was a Massachusetts native with strong ties to our city.
Provo Police officer Joseph Shinners was the son of retired Everett Fire Captain John Shinners .
Everett Fire Chief Anthony Carli posted the following statement on the Everett Fire Department’s Facebook site Monday.
“It is with deep regret the Chief of Department, Anthony Carli, announces the line of duty death of Master Police Officer Joseph Shinners of the Provo Utah Police Department. Officer Joe Shinners is the son of Retired Everett Fire Captain John Shinners. At this time of tragedy, we are reminded of the dangerous situations our public safety personnel took an oath to potentially face every day. Joe followed in his family’s legacy of dedication and commitment to his community that will never be forgotten. Officer Shinners has made the ultimate sacrifice which speaks volumes to the courageous and honorable person he was and will forever be remembered by. The Everett Fire Department will continue to share in the pain of the Shinners family, and extend our heartfelt condolences to the Provo Police Department during this extremely difficult time.”
According to Provo police reports, Shinners was shot and killed trying to apprehend a fugitive south of Salt Lake City.
Provo police Detective Nick Dupaix said he died at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center about 10 p.m. Saturday in Orem, just north of Provo.
He was 29.
He leaves a wife and a young son. Shinners was a former Haverhill police officer.
The fugitive, Matt Frank Hoover, a criminal with a two decade long record, with mostly drug related charges, was known to police and was being looked for at the time Shinners ran into him.
Police officials with knowledge of his criminal background said he had intimated he would not be taken alive.
Also, three days after the shooting he remains in jail recovering from a gun shot wound.
Police would not reveal whether or not the gunshot wound was self -inflicted or might have come from Shinners during a gunfight.
He is expected to recover and will likely be charged with aggravated murder.