20 Years Remembered: Birmingham Community Pays Tribute to Fallen Officers
On a poignant day in Birmingham’s history, officers, families, and the wider community gathered to remember the tragic loss of three local police officers on the 20th anniversary of their deaths.
Tribute to the Fallen Heroes
Officers Carlos “Curly” Owen, Harley Alfred Chisholm III, and Charles Robert “Rob” Bennett were killed while making a routine drug arrest at an Ensley house on June 17, 2004. Officer Michael Collins, also shot in the deadly encounter, survived. Today, their memory was honored at the West Precinct with the unveiling of a bench bearing their names.
Birmingham Police Chief Scott Thurmond, reflecting on that fateful day said, “I remember that day very well, unfortunately, like no other. It was the worst day in the history of the Birmingham Police Department. Their sacrifice was not in vain. They’re heroes for all of us men and women who wear the badge. We must continue to remember them. They fought to the end. They were true warriors.”
The Dreadful Incident
It was a typical afternoon when tragedy struck. Officers Chisholm and Bennett approached the front door, while Collins and Owen secured the back door of the house. As they attempted to serve the warrant, the suspect, Woods, cursed at the officers and fled further into the house. Officer Collins, wounded from gunshot fired by Woods’s roommate Kerry Spencer, was able to retreat and call for assistance.
A manhunt ensued, resulting in the arrest of Woods and Spencer. Both men were later convicted and sentenced to death for their roles in the deadly shootings.
Memories of the Fallen
All three men were highly revered officers, each with a unique legacy. Officer Chisholm, formerly a decorated ex-Marine, was admired for his hard-nosed commitment to public service. Bennett, known for being loyal, courageous, and generous, was a “giant of a man” and “a hero,” leaving behind a wife and a 4-year-old daughter. Owen, a celebrated 27-year vet and a former president of the Fraternal Order of Police, was a beloved figure in the Ensley area.
Each officer was honored with separate funerals, as well as a citywide memorial service. Today’s memorial only served further to remind the city of Birmingham the loss of their brave officers, public servants who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect their city.
Reflections from the Kin of the Departed
Reflecting on the loss of her father, Bennett’s daughter, Caroline, now a 24-year-old graduate student, spoke about his enduring impact on her life. “It is very crazy to think it’s already been 20 years. I’ve had to grow up through the grief. He’s continued to have such an influence in raising me regardless of the fact that he was not physically present,” she said.
The children of Officer Owen, Greg Owen and Andrea Owen Elders, and Chisholm’s three sisters were also in attendance. Expressing her thoughts on the 20th anniversary of her father’s death, Andrea Owen Elders candidly expressed, “I can’t believe time has gone by so fast. But I still relive that day like it was yesterday. He’s just missed so much of life when he should still be here. They should all still be here.”
