On a cold winter day in Providence, Rhode Island, the life of 27-year-old Steven M. Shaw was tragically cut short. On February 3, 1994, the White / Caucasian male, a dedicated police officer with five years of service to the Providence Police Department, was involved in the search for a robbery suspect on Benedict Street. The suspect had concealed himself inside a home, creating a tense and dangerous situation for the responding officers.
As Sergeant Shaw and his fellow officers
conducted a methodical search of the residence, the trail led them to the second floor. Unbeknownst to them, the suspect was lying in wait, hidden inside a closet. When Sergeant Shaw discovered the suspect's hiding place, the individual opened fire, fatally wounding him. The sudden violence of the act was met with a swift response from the other officers on the scene.
In the immediate aftermath of the shooting of Sergeant Shaw, the other officers engaged the suspect. The exchange of gunfire resulted in the suspect being shot and killed at the scene. In recognition of his bravery and ultimate sacrifice, Steven M. Shaw was posthumously promoted to the rank of Sergeant. He was survived by his wife. The event left a lasting scar on the Providence Police Department and the community he served.
