A veteran cop retires after 50 years on the job and dies before he can get home from work. It sounds like a twist at the end of the season for a Netflix show, but that’s what actually happened to Deputy Stan Shaw of the Hamblen County Sheriff’s Department.
Shaw worked his last day as a Deputy Sheriff last Friday and then left to go home. Shortly after, he was found unresponsive in his vehicle. First responders were able to stabilize the veteran lawman and transport him to the hospital. Doctors later determined he suffered a heart attack. Unfortunately, according to a family friend, “He was without oxygen for too long and was placed on life support. After many scans and second opinions, it was determined he had no brain function.”
That’s when Shaw’s wife of 38 years made the difficult decision to turn off life support. Shaw died on March 22. In addition to his wife, Shaw is survived by children and grandchildren.
Retired Twice
Shaw had retired once before. Ten years ago he left his job at the Jefferson County, Tennessee Sheriff’s Office. But the call of the job was just too strong and he was soon back to work. This time, in nearby Hamblen County. Stan Shaw’s colleagues at that department mourned him on social media. “Sheriff Jeff Coffey and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office sends our condolences and prayers to the family of retired Chief Deputy Stan Shaw.”
His daughter said her father planned to spend his retirement with his wife and grandchildren.
Family friend Michael Quinton created a GoFundMe to help pay for a memorial service and assist his widow with any medical bills from Shaw’s hospital stay. Quinton said, Stan, dedicated 50 years in law enforcement, protecting his community and trying to steer folks onto a better path. I would forever be grateful if we could come together and take some of the burden off of her during this time.”
As of Friday, March 26, the fundraiser had surpassed its original $8,000 goal.
