By Randy Arrington
STANLEY, Feb. 25 — Tomorrow, the Town of Stanley will remember a moment in time that that won’t soon be forgotten. A moment that seemed to occur in a flash, and yet a moment in time when things also seemed to slow down. And still for others, it was a moment when time seemed to completely stand still.
It was shortly after 3 p.m. on Feb, 26, 2021, when Stanley Police Officer Nick Winum was fatally shot after what was supposed to be a routine traffic stop on Judy Lane.
“We lost our brother,” Stanley Police Chief Ryan “Beaver” Dean said in the days that followed. “This is a big loss for us, but an even bigger loss for the community and the impact he had on it.”
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. this Saturday, Feb. 26 at Ed Good Park to mark the one-year anniversary of Officer Winum’s shooting. The approximately one-hour program will include multiple speakers, special music, the dedication of the new Stanley Police headquarters, a proclamation declaring Feb. 26 as Nick Winum Day in Stanley in perpetuity, and the retiring of Winum’s badge No. 202, which will never be issued again in the Stanley Police Department.
“Whereas, Dominic ‘Nick’ Winum was a dedicated servant who not only protected the community as a police officer but through his kindness…was known as a man that stood up for what he believed in, and everyone could count on him to stand by their side…loved the Lord, his family and his country and was a role model for us all…loved the children he came in contact with every shift, talking, playing and mentoring them in the right direction…[and] gave the ultimate sacrifice protecting his fellow man…His courage that day will never be forgotten,” reads a portion of a resolution adopted by the Stanley Council proclaiming Feb. 26 as Nick Winum Day.
Saturday’s program will begin with the Virginia State Police Honor Guard presenting the colors, followed by local evangelist Doug Gochenour singing the national anthem and a welcome by Mayor Michael Knight. Gochenour is then scheduled to speak in his role as chaplain of the Stanley Police Department, just prior to remarks from Virginia Senator Mark Obenshain.
The first musical piece will then be presented by Nikki Dovel, who will sing “Hold On To Me,” followed by remarks from Congressman Ben Cline.
The schedule then calls for a member of the Winum family to address the large crowd that is expected for the event, followed by local pastor Andy Seastrom and the Virginia Speaker of the House of Delegates Todd Gilbert.
A second musical piece will then be performed by Rose Kerns, who will sing “Jealous of the Angels,” prior to remarks from the Virginia Secretary of Public Safety Robert Mosier and Chief Dean.
The ceremony will be closed out by a bagpipe version of “Amazing Grace” performed by D.C. Police Pipes and Drums, and a few closing words from Officer Winum’s widow, Kara.
Stanley Town Manager Terry Pettit will serve as master of ceremonies, and he stated on Friday that “a very large crowd was expected” in Downtown Stanley for the ceremony.
For more information about events in the Town of Stanley,
check out their newly upgraded website or visit their Facebook page.
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