Patrolman Stephen Carl Shaffer

Patrolman Stephen Carl Shaffer

Dillon Police Department, Montana

End of Watch Saturday, February 14, 1981

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Stephen Carl Shaffer

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.

Patrolman Shaffer had served with the agency for eight years and was survived by his parents and sister.

Bio

  • Age 34
  • Tour 8 years
  • Badge 7

Incident Details

  • Cause Assault
  • Weapon Automobile; Alcohol involved
  • Offender Sentenced to 40 years

Most Recent Reflection

View all 12 Reflections

I am a retired Idaho State Police District Sergeant from Idaho Falls. I had the pleasure to work with Steve in the late '70s. Steve was an Idaho Fish and Game Enforcement Officer. Great Man!! Rest In Peace My Friend!

Sergeant Robert La Pier
Idaho State Police

October 12, 2021

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