Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

The following is a letter printed in the Dec. 21, 2024, issue of the High Point Enterprise:

The Memory of Officer Twyman

To the citizens of High Point. On Dec. 23, 2001, Master Police Officer III Shelia Twyman of the High Point Police Department died after being critically injured in the line of duty on Dec. 20. (A tractor-trailer ran a red light.) It was a tragic loss. Shelia was an individual you couldn't help but love. A generous, humble and giving person.

Three years ago, I attempted - through the Enterprise - to have a portion of Montlieu Avenue renamed in her memory (and likewise for Samuel E. Burford). Instead, the honor went to Nido Qubein. I ask High Pointers now not to forget someone who gave her life for their city. You would have cherished knowing her.

Blair Rankin, Major (ret.), High Point Police Dept.

Major Blair Rankin (ret.)
High Point Police Department

December 23, 2024

I remember Shelia coming to the office and rummaging through the drawers of unserved processes we had jut waiting to be served. One by one she'd pull out a small stack of the aged papers and say, "I know where this one is now". Shelia always had one of the rarest but well known responses when you asked how she was doing. With a smile on her face and in the kindest, most sincere voice, she replied "I'm blessed". I still miss her today and think of her often. Shelia was one of those people who left this world having made a difference in a lot of people's lives. The number of reflections on here is proof of that. Shelia, thank you for your service and may you continue to enjoy your rewards in Heaven for a life well lived.

C. E. Snider
Magistrate

February 7, 2024

2022 and still missing Shelia Twyman so much.
... Good mother. Good friend. Good officer. Not forgotten.

Blair Rankin, Major (ret.)
High Point Police Department

December 23, 2022

Lest we forget...

21 years ago today we lost a friend, sister, and so much more! I first met Sheila on a cold snowy January night when she started in FTO on David Team. We had more recruits than FTO's so she, Allen Wood, and I all rode in the bench seat of the old paddy wagon. Fun times!!! As a fellow Christian I can't wait to see her on those streets of gold and hear her say, "I'm blessed"! We are all better off having had Shelia Dianne Twyman in our lives!

Mike Nixon
High Point, NC Police Dept, Retired

December 23, 2022

Today it’s been 21 years since Shelia passed…
As a High Point 911 Police/Fire dispatcher I had the pleasure to work with Shelia. She was always so nice on the radio, and would often say “preciate it” instead of 10-4. God I miss her voice saying that. Her accident shaped my career and made me hyper aware of officer safety and mic clicks.
A fellow dispatcher but her in the CAD out of service in memory that first year…. (A33 GP - in memory)
Since then I’ve made sure A33 was in every Christmas between Dec 19 until after Christmas with her picture by the main police dispatch channel to keep her memory alive. This is my last Christmas before retiring and it was bittersweet. They don’t make ‘em like her anymore. As she would say, we were blessed, just to know her.

Portia Clowdis, HP911 1998-2023

December 23, 2022

Today, it has been 20 years since Shelia died in the line of duty.

It was just past 1:30 am on Thursday, Dec. 20, 2001, when I received a call from Capt. Ron Stowe that Shelia Twyman had been in a serious wreck. A tractor trailer had run a red light and crashed into her patrol car.

Unfortunately, mid-afternoon on Sunday, Dec. 23, she died. I wrote the following words that night, "Shelia was a quiet angel who happened to be a police officer - everybody's momma. A truly good person."

Frequently she said she was blessed, and that is the only word on her grave marker, "blessed."

Blair Rankin, Major (ret.)
High Point Police Department

December 23, 2021

Long before High Point claimed her, she was SHELIA BAKER one of the lil' girls of Morningside Homes a.k.a. Duh Grove, Greensboro, N.C.!! Like so many childhood friends and neighbor kids, I had no idea of her career path!!! She was sweet & pleasant and it's no surprise she was even more as an adult p.s. Our loss, Heaven's gain <3

MICHAEL Stimpson
Childhood Neighbor

May 13, 2021

Shelia,

You were such a friendly, good-hearted person. Still very much missed. Proud to have served with you.

Blair Rankin, Major (ret.)
High Point Police Department

December 23, 2019

Rest In Peace Sister in Blue. Thank you Hero and your family for your sacrifice and service. Always remembered.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA

December 23, 2019

Rest in peace Officer Twyman. A true heroine!

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 5, 2019

Mom,

One thing I know for sure is that I will miss you for the rest of my life. I love you so much. Continue resting in His arms.

Your baby girl,
Shamia

Shamia Davis
Daughter

December 23, 2018

Rest In Peace Sister in Blue. You are honored and remembered on the 17th anniversary of your EOW. Thoughts and prayers for your family and loved ones.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA

December 23, 2018

I still feel your presence every day and hear your voice so clearly in my head. I wish I could touch your face one more time, but I often see you in my dreams. Until we meet again, I love you mom and I miss you so much.

Shamia Davis
Youngest Daughter

February 27, 2018

Shelia,

Fifteen years now. I remember the night of the crash. The days in the hospital. The funeral. Now the memories ... ... and the pride and pleasure of having known you and served with you. God bless.

Maj. Blair Rankin (ret.)
High Point Police Department

December 24, 2016

Shelia,
I was just on Facebook (which is something you never knew, but I can only imagine the things you would have to post) when I found myself watching another fallen officer being escorted home. I was hit with many memories of you, and that night. Some things are still as crystal clear as if they were yesterday, while others are just as blurry as the night of the crash. I think of you often, but today the memories are so strong. I miss how you loved to rub my arm hair and say how soft it was. Hated it when you did it, but sure do miss it. I miss laughing with you. The Valentine's day card that ended with "Will you marry me?" that you had to "white-out" because it was too late to find a different card. God we laughed about that. I miss your smile. when i try real hard, I can still hear your voice, or at least I think I can and that is good enough for me. You are not forgotten, and you are still missed and loved

MPO III Tad Kramp
High Point Police

September 15, 2016

Still missing you, mom. You will forever live on in the hearts and minds of your loved ones. Continue resting in peace. We love you...always.

Shamia (Twyman) Davis
Daughter

December 23, 2015

Sheila,

I always remember this day near Christmas that we lost you to the "Blue Line Heaven" Thanks for looking over HPPD and keeping us all safe and allowing many of us to complete our career and retire.

Lt. Jeff Blank (retired)
High Point Police

December 23, 2013

Shelia,
It was ten years ago today that I stood in Baptist Hospital and heard you hadn't made it. It wasn't supposed to end like that. Not to you. You would always live on. Well, you have. Your professionalism, your dedication and your total love for others, all remain a constant inspiration and guiding light. And yes, your final call was from God.

Major Blair Rankin (ret.)
High Point Police Department

December 23, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 10th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. I pray for rhe solace of all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. I hold your family in my heart's embrace today.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

December 23, 2011

I cannot believe it's been ten years. During this time, you have not been forgotten or neglected in our hearts. The life you led helped to shape me into the woman I am today. You taught me to dream the impossible and work hard for what I want in life. That drive has never left me. Thank you will never be sufficient for all you did for your family, friends and community. We will keep your memory alive and we know that you're at peace now-watching over us. Your time here seemed short to us, but you served your purpose. I can't be selfish and continue to ask, "why," all I can do is thank God that he gave me 20 years with you. My love for you is endless...

Shamia (Twyman) Davis
Youngest Daughter

December 23, 2011

Mama, it will be ten years around Christmas since I have had the opportunity to hug, kiss and call you. You made life fun for everyone you came into contact with on a daily basis. Your laugh and smile were truly one of a kind and are sorely missed. The way you lived your life is a true testament that with faith, dedication and a little hard work anything is possible. Your memory will continue to live on in our family as well as in the hearts of everyone you've ever met. I know you are looking down and smiling at our newest additions to the family. Tony Little, Drake Little, Blake Davis, Courtney Davis & family, Rachel Heller, and last but not least...Scion DeAntre' Twyman. Love always, your son, Scott Twyman.

Scott Twyman
Son

May 18, 2011

dear grandma,
i am so sad still because when you where here i was more excited but now it has dropped.i hope you can help me with my dream and my dads.

love you granddaughter
kwynesha twyman
highpoint,NC

kwynesha

May 15, 2011

May God Grant Officer Twyman's Family, Fellow Officers and Friends the Serenity to Accept the things they can not change, Courage to change the things they can, and the Wisdom to know the difference. On this anniversary We will never forget. Rest In Peace Blue Angel.............

Officer Debra McFall Ross
East Buffalo Twp Police, Lewisburg, Pa.

December 23, 2009

Today marks the 8 year anniversary of your death but I have peace in my heart. Yes, I am sad but I have a smile on my face just thinking about all the fun times we had. Remember when we went to see "Life" and you slept through the entire movie? Remember when you came to see my at my track meet with grandma and you yelled until you were almost hoarse? What about the time when you picked me up from school early and took me to get my car painted at Maaco because I HATED the rust spots on the hood??? That was the type of mom you were. You loved being a police officer and it took up a lot of your free time, but I can always say that you were an exceptional mom! There are so many good times that I can reflect on, but they all live in my heart. I will NEVER forget you and neither will the community you served. I love you always!!

Shamia Twyman Davis
Youngest Daughter

December 23, 2009

Officer Twyman I will never forget the day at the store on South Main and it was a week before Christmas. My daughter was 11 months old and my son was eight and I parked in a Handicap parking space and you said, "Since it so close to Christmas, I am not going to give you a ticket, Merry Christmas." I have never looked at another Handicap parking place since. I will always remember you being a great officer, but you also had a great understanding of people. Thank You and God Bless Your Family.

Nicole
Citizen of High Point

November 17, 2009