Mayor praises police response after Feb. 14 shooting; city launches cleanup campaign and schedules vigil

Mayor Lisa A. Davis read a letter from the Shelby County sheriff’s office commending Chief Jeff Bowers and the Columbiana Police Department for their coordinated response to a Feb. 14 critical-incident wellness check that resulted in gunfire. The mayor said the suspect fled back into an apartment but was detained without further injuries, and an officer who was wounded has been released from the hospital and is expected to return to work.

Reading the sheriff’s letter, the mayor relayed praise that “Chief Bowers’ priorities were clear and steady and unwavering,” and that regional tactical and negotiation resources assisted and helped bring the situation to a safe conclusion. Officials at the meeting expressed gratitude to Shelby County, the Tactical Response Unit and neighboring departments for rapid mutual aid.

The mayor also announced several community events tied to healing and civic engagement: a candlelight vigil Friday at Veterans Park to raise awareness of bullying and suicide prevention (the town encourages residents in crisis to contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by texting 988), an Arbor Day tree giveaway at Old Mill Square Park on Saturday, and an Arts Council Mardi Gras Gala. She encouraged residents to participate in the Columbiana Cleanup Campaign through April and noted a large May cleanup day; after a three-month grace period the city will begin enforcing existing ordinances with citations for properties that remain in violation.

A council member and other attendees thanked first responders and emphasized community gratitude for the coordinated law-enforcement response. The mayor closed this portion by reminding residents of cleanup resources and how to request extra pickups or disposal assistance.