Group observes anniversary of slain officers death

At a triangle park in Bibb City about 75 people gathered Wednesday in memory of Columbus police Officer Shirley B. Winston, the first female and black Columbus officer killed in the line of duty 24 years ago.

The group included Winston’s mother, daughter, husband, and several other relatives. Chief Ricky Boren and other law enforcement officials also attended, along with representatives from the Columbus Council and local clergy. Participants listened solemnly to stories of Winston’s life and the ultimate sacrifice that she made on behalf of the community.

Johnnie Warner, executive director of the Columbus Black History Museum, said he organized the event as a way to bring the African-American community and law enforcement together despite recent events that have divided the two groups nationally. He and others thanked police officers for their service.

Winston’s adult daughter, Vanessia “Nikki” Blanding, was among the speakers and erected a pink, floral wreath in the shape of a cross at the location with the help of Lt. Joyce Dent-Fitzpatrick, Winston’s best friend.

Officer Mark Neal sang Winston’s favorite song, “Amazing Grace,” while strumming a guitar as the sun broke through the clouds.

Boren said Winston was a police officer, a wife, a daughter, a mother and friend. She was 26-years-old and just beginning her life. He said she died Dec. 31, 1990,responding to a call to back-up fellow officers who were attempting to disarm individual. Officer Thomas K. Slay and another officer arrived first, and while tussling with the individual, Slay’s shotgun accidentally went off. The shot hit Winston just below her bullet proof vest, and she died a short time later at the hospital, Boren said.

The incident occurred near Poplar Street and Linden Circle, Bibb City Park, not far from where Wednesday’s observance took place. A stone memorial stands there in her honor.

“Shirley is the 21st officer that was killed in the line of duty since our records began in 1874 in Columbus, Georgia,” Boren said. “Officer Winston wore the blue uniform proudly. She served the citizens for only three years prior to her death. She fulfilled her sworn responsibilities to the city of Columbus and to our department with honor.

“She stood as a symbolic symbol of that blue line, the barrier between anarchy and order,” he said. “Too many times recently, law enforcement officers are targeted for the color of that uniform and the oath that they take. I’m proud of all area law enforcement officers. I salute them for the jobs that they do while performing the duties to our citizens and the city.”

Blanding said she was only 8-years-old when her mother was killed.

“It’s very reassuring to know that after 24 years my mother, Officer Shirley Winston, is still being remembered for her bravery and the courage that she showed on that night and all the days that she served this great city of Columbus,” Blanding said. “I have very fond memories of my mother. She was always a hardworking mother and she loved her family.”

Blanding said what she remembers most is her mother getting ready for work and making sure that her children knew she loved them before walking out the door.

“She also took the time to make us laugh and to make us smile, whether it was by telling us a joke, or telling us a silly story, or tickling us, or just making silly faces,” she said. “And I carry that with me as I go throughout life and that helps me get through each day.

“And I think that is something, if we can take anything from being here today, to share that spirit of Officer Shirley Winston, that humble spirit, that spirit of love and that spirit of joy,” she added. “Because that’s something that our city needs, that’s something that our nation needs.”

Dent-Fitzpatrick said she was a police officer in Phenix City when Winston urged her to join the Columbus Police Department. The two became best friends supporting each other as struggling mothers.

“When I got hired and went through the Police Academy, she was my best friend encouraging me,” she said. “Shirley was always there pushing me.”

Dent-Fitzpatrick said the night of the shooting she was driving Winston’s car because her car wasn’t working and she had to go to the laundromat. When she learned of the incident, he rushed to the hospital with Winston’s husband, Roderick.

Then-Chief Jim Wetherington told them it didn’t look good, she said. “I don’t remember a lot that happened after that,” she said, soon overcome with emotion. “I think I might have probably fainted or something.”

Dent-Fitzpatrick said there was some racial tension in Columbus over the incident and it’s important for people to know that Winston and Slay were friends who looked out for each other. It was an accident that devastated both families, she said.

Dent-Fitzpatrick said she went to Slay’s home that night and he was hurting too. Slay died in a car accident in 2013, which was another devastating lost to the community, she said.

“I can’t tell you the hurt I felt on that July day,” she said. “I lost two of my best friends and I have confidence and I truly believe that two great police officers, Thomas K. Slay, and Shirley D. Winston are in heaven.”

“In light of what’s going on in the world today, there are still some good police officers, we really need to get that out,” she added. “Law enforcement is taking a big hit right now, and I’m so glad we didn’t have social media when this tragedy happened...Race relations were very good and I think they’re still great here. We want to keep that rapport with our citizens and people in law enforcement.”

Dent-Fitzpatrick said Winston would have been 50 on September 25. She runs an ad in the newspaper every year in her memory. She also lays a wreath annually at the site.

Alva James-Johnson, 706-571-8521. Reach her on Facebook at AlvaJamesJohnsonLedger.

This story was originally published December 31, 2014 at 4:39 PM with the headline "Group observes anniversary of slain officers death."