Holly MatkinHamblen County, TN – Hamblen County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) Deputy Stan Shaw died on March 22 after suffering a medical emergency as he was leaving his retirement celebration.
The 72-year-old deputy had just wrapped up the last day of his 50-year law enforcement career on March 19 and was leaving his retirement party when he went into cardiac arrest in his vehicle, WATE reported.
Deputy Shaw was found unresponsive in his car, according to a fundraising page established to help his family in the wake of their loss.
“EMTs were able to get his heart going as he was transported to the hospital,” the page read.
Doctors determined he suffered a heart attack.
“Unfortunately he was without oxygen for too long, and was placed on life support,” according to the fundraising page. “After many scans and second opinions it was determined he had no brain function.”
Deputy Shaw passed away on March 22.
He had been looking forward to his retirement and having more time to spend with his family, WAFF reported.
“He was going to go enjoy his wife and dog, and fishing with me and my husband and kids and woodworking and stuff,” his daughter, Rhea Shaw Grebenik, told the news outlet.
Deputy Shaw joined the HCSO after retiring from his role as a chief deputy at the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office more than 10 years ago, WAFF reported.
“He went about a month without working in law enforcement and decided he couldn’t do it,” Grebenik said. “He loved being a cop way too much. Sitting a home wasn’t working and he wanted to help people.”
“He served his community up until his dying day and I’m proud of him for that,” she added.
Grebenik said her father died doing what he loved, WATE reported.
“If he’s arrested you, he’s also counseled you. He’s talked to you, he’s tried to help you get to a better path in life. Because he sees more in people than what we see in ourselves,” she said.
“These men and women are good people and my dad was one of those,” Grebenik told WATE. “That was his biggest thing was putting a good name back on police officers because they deserve that respect. And I’m hoping that his story helps that some.”
Deputy Shaw leaves behind his wife of 38 years, as well as his children and grandchildren.
“HE DIED DOING WHAT HE LOVED”
Fifty-year deputy Stan Shaw’s wife wished him well on his last day on the force.
Unfortunately, his daughter says he never made it back home to her.
FULL STORY: https://t.co/Ipjy8dXPz8 pic.twitter.com/EyCJQSQgM1
— Gwendolyn Ducre (@GwendolynGabs) March 26, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Hamblen County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Stan Shaw, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
