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Incident
Patrolman Stephen Shaffer was struck and killed by a drunken driver during a traffic stop. Patrolman Shaffer informed dispatch that he was investigating a possible drunk driver passed out on Selway Drive. As he approached the parked car, he turned on his top lights, exited his vehicle and spoke to the drunken driver outside of the car. As he was speaking with the intoxicated driver, another drunken driver approaching from the opposite direction struck the parked car and the patrol car, killing Patrolman Shaffer and the passed out driver. The suspect was apprehended and found guilty on two counts of negligent homicide. He was sentenced to 20 years for each count to run concurrently.
Survivors
Patrolman Shaffer had served with the agency for eight years and was survived by his parents and sister.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Shaffer gave the Dillon Police Department 8 years.
Thank you for your service to the Dillon community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Shaffer.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Stephen is the only officer of Dillon Police Department remembered here.
Stephen is one of 93 officers killed feloniously in MT, 65.5% of the 142 remembered there.
Stephen is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Stephen is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1981, 1 officer in MT was killed feloniously, the 25th heaviest of 58 years on record. The heaviest was 1935, with 6.
In 1981, 126 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 39th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1981, 152 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 32nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Stephen was 34. Of the 81 killed feloniously in MT whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 47; the middle age was 39. Stephen had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Stephen was 34. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Stephen had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Stephen was 34. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Stephen had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 7.5% of these deaths in MT; December holds the most, 15.1%. Saturdays: 16.1%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Dillon Police Department. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 65.5% of all 142 deaths in MT, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 5.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.4% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 32-W
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