IPMBA Remembers Michael Alvin Shaw

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Michael Alvin Shaw, age 43, of Springfield Township, Ohio, passed away on Saturday, October 3, 2020. He was born on March 14, 1977, in Toledo, Ohio, to Gerald and Marlene (Lovejoy) Shaw. Mike pursued excellence in law enforcement, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Charles Edwin Lovejoy, as a police officer. He served with both the Findlay and Sylvania Police Departments and was with the Special Response Team (SRT) from 2002 to 2017. Mike was an advocate for education and instructed many officers on accident investigating, radar/laser measuring, and field training. Mike will be remembered most by his family and friends for his dedicated fatherhood to his two children, Michael and Lauren, and as a wonderful husband to his wife of 16 years, Sara (Shanks), who is a school resource officer for the Oregon Police Department. Those who knew Mike best will remember his sense of humor, his love of camping with family, and as an esteemed colleague respected by his police brotherhood. His pillar of strength, and ability to lend a helping hand, made his family very proud. He will be deeply missed.

Mike was certified as an IPMBA Police Cyclist by Alan Beadle, PCI #484, in May 2004. He subsequently attended the 2005 and 2007 IPMBA Conferences in Scottsdale and Baton Rouge, respectively.

The cause of Mike’s death was a self-inflicted gunshot. According to Blue H.E.L.P., the number of officers taking their own lives is increasing. In 2019, 228 officers died by suicide, more than the number killed in the line of duty.

If you are contemplating suicide, or know anyone who is or may be, there is no shame or stigma in seeking help. For information and resources, visit the Suicide Prevention and Awareness page on the IPMBA website (https://ipmba.org/resources/suicide-prevention-and-awareness). The life you save could be your own or that of your partner or colleague.

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