Friends and colleagues remember Captain Stacey Deans

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Members of the Columbus community have been in mourning after the passing of Captain Stacey Deans.

Deans had been head of the Criminal Investigations Division at the Columbus Police Department since June of 2018.

His death came after a lengthy battle with spinal problems.

Just this past Saturday, Deans attended a fundraiser in Columbus in his honor.

Members of the Columbus Community Benefit Committee who put on the event said they were shocked and deeply saddened by the news Officer Deans passing.

“We were just shocked and saddened by the news of Captain Deans death this morning. It’s not anything that we anticipating, especially coming off of the benefit on Saturday,” said Community Benefit Committee member Julie Parker.

Those who spent time with Officer Deans at the Saturday event said he was in good spirits.

“I think Saturday was just a testament to who he is as an individual, his character, his dedication to the community, his spirit of law enforcement was really very apparent on Saturday,” said Parker.

Those who knew officer Deans said the community has suffered a great loss.

“It was just like I lost a family member. I lost a friend and a brother as well as an important part of the police community,” said Columbus Police Chief Fred Shelton.

“The city of Columbus, as well as the Columbus Police Department, lost a hero… Lost someone who had been dedicated to not only our community but to law enforcement for so many years. So, we definitely lost a hero and someone always looked out for his community and the residents of Columbus,” said Parker.

Friends and Colleagues said Captain Deans’ memory and influence will live on.

“He was a good person. He was a Christian man. He always had a smile. He never met a stranger,” said Shelton.

“Our hearts and our prayers go out to his family members. We mourn with you, and we will be praying for you through this time, and we want you to know that the city of Columbus loves each and every one of you,” said Parker.

Officer Deans passed away at a medical facility in Baldwin this morning.

Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.