Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest In Peace you are a hero

Mark Mottola

April 14, 2020

Rest in peace Chief Deputy Sheriff Shavers.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 13, 2020

We have continued to honor the absolute courage and commitment to protecting the people around him by setting aside times to pray and reflect on him often.
On the day, and at the hour, when he gave his life and future we will continue to put him out in the public as we have for 41 years.

Alan Yates
New Hampshire Dept of Safety, Emergency Services Division

April 14, 2019

We have continued to honor the absolute courage and commitment to protecting the people around him by setting aside times to pray and reflect on him often.
On the day, and at the hour, when he gave his life and future we will continue to put him out in the public as we have for 41 years.

Alan Yates (FOPD in 1978)
New Hampshire Dept of Safety, Emergency Services Division

April 14, 2019

How does time keep moving so quickly? It's been 41 years yet feels so fresh at time. So many family and friends have joined you on your side of heaven including your wife, your Dad and Father-In-Law. Though there are sad times, there are great times also. I get to talk to your children and grand children and witness the legacy you left behind. Thank you for your service to the job and community you loved. We love and miss you always! Someday I will forgive how much you enjoyed playing practical jokes on me, then again maybe not. I'm sure you are planning more when I get to heaven. Love, Sherry!

Sherry Mayo
Sister-In-Law

April 14, 2019

I didn’t know Baxter I lived in Catoosa County when this happen I moved away for a few years ,now back ,go to ft Oglethorpe I seen the sign that’s posted for Mr Shavers remind me of the patrolman we lost so sad.

Sandra Worley Williams

September 25, 2018

This is close as I remember.

S Brown
FOPD

May 5, 2018

i knew Baxter and his family.
I was a Trooper working out of Post 41 Lafayette when Baxter was shot. I was off duty that day when I got word of the shooting on what was called Ga. 2-A at the time. I think all the troopers at Lafayette responded and we searched through the night and into the next day when the shooter was apprehended just across the state line in Tennessee.
Trp. Moe Gass and I were detailed to transport the killer from the Catoosa courthouse to the jail in Walker county during the trial. Catoosa county sheriff J.D.Stewart led the way in his Trans Am, at a rapid pace I might add, the prisoner never said a word on any of the trips.
Rest In Peace my old friend.
Steve Young, retired GSP.

Captain Steve Young, ret.
Georgia State Patrol

April 14, 2017

I was a Georgia State Patrol Dispatcher when this happened. I will never forget the county dispatcher saying "GSP Dalton we need assistance, we have two officers shot, one is DOA." State Troopers ran from the patrol station to go help but Baxter was dead. The suspect robbed a florist and got around $80.00. I am still friends with Baxter's family and the FOP has a memorial service scheduled for tomorrow, April 14, 2015 in honor of Chief Deputy Shavers. The suspect was convicted and still remains in State Prison in Georgia.

Field Supervisor - Investigations
Georgia Dept. of Juvenile Justice

April 14, 2015

I knew Baxter from high school and from his employment at Fort Oglethorpe PD. I can still hear his infectious laugh. When my wife and I got married in 1976 he was in our wedding. The day he was killed was one of the saddest days of my life. I have been in law enforcement for 35 years and it still hurts to hear of any officer being killed. We will meet again in heaven someday.

Captain Donny Phillips
Walker County SO

December 4, 2014

I worked with Baxter at Catoosa County. I will never forget the day he was killed. We were all called to respond to the man hunt. A few weeks after the incident another Deputy (Earl Epps) and I stopped by the Shaver family home. Both of Baxters kids were there. It was a day I will never forget. The kids thought it was their Daddy coming I the drive way. Earl or I neither could not hold back the tears. Miss ya still Baxter. We'll ride again.

Doug
Trenton Police

March 28, 2014

Baxter and I attended the last class on Confederate ave, in Atlanta. That is where the GSP received their mandate training. We both felt honored to have been able to attend the same class that the GSP did. We were taught by GSP instructors and a few professors. I cannot tell the loads of fun we had staying in the same dorm as the troopers. We ate with them drove with them a learned from them. Baxter brought his S&W 357 Highway Patrolman revolver with him to the academy. I brought my S&W Model 19 revolver with me. I had much bigger hands than Baxter so we traded weapons. We were both were very happy after the trade. The shooting part of the class was very pressured and stressful at the range. Time was working against us all but we survived it.As the twelve weeks passed by, the fun and memories kept adding up. Well, the day came. We all earned our diplomas sad our goodbuys and went on to resume our tour of duties. That was in December 1975. While on patrol on that dreaded April morning in 1977, I heard the Georgia News Network. The news reporter was named Wade Metlock. That's something I'll never forget. Baxter was proud of those solid white Trans Am patrol cars like the one in" Smokey and the Bandit". We became like brothers. I love him and I miss him. When My wife and I drive to Knoxville, Tenn we drive right through Catoosa County and Ringold. When I get the nerve, I would like to see the old Sheriff's office and the spot where that scum took my friends life. I am still haunted by the fact that Baxter was taken away from all of us the my revolver. The gun that I traded him.Hardly a day goes by that I don't think of him. I would like to learn more about his family from 1977 to current date. Any info would be a great help. Thanks

(Former ) Sgt. John Pagura
Houston Co. Sheriff's office (Ga)

December 16, 2013

I never met Deputy Shavers. I was not alive at that time. I am currently employed with the Catoosa County Sheriffs Office and I want to let everyone know that comes here that every night that I work their isn't a night that goes by where their still isn't a story about the times Deputy Shavers patrolled our streets. His memory is alive and well in our hearts. All of the newer guys including me can only hope to measure up to the high standard he set.

Deputy
Catoosa County

October 20, 2013

I've never met you, but your memory is still very much alive at the sheriff's office. I know you are watching over all of us.

Deputy
Catoosa County Sheriff's Office

August 26, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 34th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

I pray for solace for all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace today. Thanks to your family and friends for sharing their memories and devotion to you through their reflections.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

April 14, 2012

Rest in Peace, Chief Shavers. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

March 24, 2012

Thank you for the beautiful memories that you help us to create with your stories about our father. This is the only way that we have to feel like we know him. I know where my father is and look forward to meeting him again one day. God Bless You!

Kelly Shavers Ledford
Daughter of Baxter Shavers

January 5, 2012

I would have given much if I could have gotten out on the stop with you and George before Collier decided to fight you. I was at absolute max speed passing LFP when the lady from the bank came on your radio screaming that you and George had been shot. I tried to get there before he could get away. I tried. I'll live with that failure until I see you again. When I worked second I sometimes stopped by and asked Harriet to let me take Jeremy to Baskin Robbins. I'd like to think he liked riding in the patrol car. I stopped when Harriet told me how it hurt Jeremy when he saw the Patrol car pull in thinking it was his daddy. I will always wonder if there was something Freddy Smith and I forgot to tell you or show you...but I know beyond any doubt that you were a really great Officer and nobody could have done a better job. Every April 14th I think of you as I am sure all of us who worked with you did.

Supervisory Agent, (Retired)
NH Dept of Safety, Emergency Services

May 9, 2011

I was 16 years old and knew I was going to have a career in law enforcemnt. I was at Post 41 when the call came out about the shooting on that fatefuk day. I remember sitting in the kitchen listening to the troopers discussing the events that took place and the tragic results that followed. The lessons I learned at Post 41 cocerning this action I am sure saved my life not once or even twice, but several times. We truely lost a guardian angel that day.

David Willis
State of Georgia

August 7, 2010

Bax,I always held you in the highest regard and you were my best and closest friend. I can't believe that it's been 32 years since you were tragically taken from us. I still think of you and wish that I could call and talk with you. I remember the night that you started at Ft.O, P.D... The last time that I got to talk with you is the night before you were taken, and we planned on having coffee the next night. I know that you and J.D. are keeping the streets safe in heaven. Now you've got so much help with Chandler and Roger and so many more, to help. But your still Cheif. Love and miss you and miss you. Ray

ray heaton

May 13, 2010

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

April 14, 2010

Baxter was killed when I was 11 years old, but I remember him visiting our neighborhood, and even visiting our house, making contact with people just to be nice. I remember the day that he was killed, and I just could not believe that something like that could happen... the whole community was in shock over such a senseless act of violence. I wish that he was still around... I'm sure that he would have continued to be a fine officer and an asset to the community. To all of you who serve, please be careful and especially watch out for the young officers. God Bless.

Civilian
Ringgold, GA

May 9, 2008

Deputy Shavers your work on this Earth as we know it is done. You are in God's Hands now. May you rest in peace now brother. God Bless !!!

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee

March 28, 2008

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

October 8, 2007

I met Baxter in 1976. I was then working as a waitress at Sambo's in Fort Oglethorpe, Ga.. He came in almost every night. No finer man ever walked this earth and I loved him dearly. I still remember him fondly and miss him very much
May you rest in peace, Baxter.

Love, Grace.

Grace Catlett
Friend

October 5, 2007