John Chafee: “last Thursday in Providence, a terrible tragedy occurred: a fine young Providence policeman was killed in the line of…”

“last Thursday in Providence, a terrible tragedy occurred: a fine young Providence policeman was killed in the line of duty, shot by a suspect using a handgun. Steven Michael Shaw and other officers were responding to a call involving a search for three men who were suspected of committing two robberies earlier that afternoon. After entering the house where the suspects were believed to be, Patrolman Shaw was shot in the head by one of the suspects, who had hidden himself in a bedroom closet. Patrolman Steven Michael Shaw, just 27 years old, began his career with the Providence police in January 1989, working in the patrol bureau and the community policing unit. Steven Shaw was an officer well recognized for his work: he had been involved in a 1991 capture of an armed man who at the time was shooting at him. In 1992 he also played a key role, at some significant personal risk, in securing the release of a hostage held by five armed--and actively firing--men. These events and his work in handling armed robberies, break-ins, and shootings made him a decorated officer: he received the Police Chief's Medal, given for 'an outstanding act in the performance of duty;' the City Council Medal, and the Hostage Situation Medal. Moreover, Patrolman Shaw was a member of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, and indeed had served in the Persian Gulf war. Steven Shaw did not shy from dangerous situations in the course of duty.”