Widow of slain Pope Co. Deputy Josh Owen: "Losing Josh will never go away"
GLENWOOD, Minn. -- The widow of fallen Pope County Sheriff's Deputy Josh Owen issued a statement for the first time Thursday as the community prepares for the funeral this weekend.
The deputy's cousin, Josh Palmateer, read the statement from Shannon Owen as she stood next to him holding a picture of her husband.
"I want to start by thanking everyone who has come out and supported Ryland and me over the past, few days," said Josh Palmateer, cousin."I've never received this much support for anything. This community is helping me in the moments, where very simply, I don't know what to do."
Josh and Shannon Owen were together for 18 years. The last 12 years were spent in Pope County - where the couple and their son, Rylan, planned to stay.
"Even through the tears and all the emotions I can still see Josh everywhere. In the pictures that decorate our fridge, in the firepit he built by hand, and in the neighborhood we call home."
Shannon says her husband was selfless and would help anyone. She talked about the whirlwind of emotions since he was killed. She says they've laughed at good memories and cried at others. But she's also angry that his life was cut short and that their son lost his father.
"Pray for the safety of our deputies and police. Continue to share Josh's story with each other. Share his legacy. In this way we can help his spirit last forever."
Owen was shot Saturday evening responding to a domestic disturbance call in Cyrus, and later died of his injuries at a hospital. A second deputy and a Starbuck police officer were also injured in the shooting. The gunman was killed.
Owen died on his birthday. He had just turned 44 years old.
The Pope County sheriff's department is preparing for a large turnout for Deputy Owen's funeral on Saturday at Minnewaska Area High School. They believe as many as 2,500 people could show up for his memorial service.
