Dillon Police Department, Montana
End of Watch: Saturday, February 14, 1981
Age: 34
Tour of Duty: 8 years
Badge Number: 7
Cause of Death: Assault
Date of Incident: February 14, 1981
Weapon Used: Automobile; Alcohol involved
Suspect Info: Sentenced to 40 years
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.