Marana Police Officer recognized for exceptional service

Published on April 20, 2023

MARANA- Marana Police Officer John Shafe has been chosen to receive the Sons of the American Revolution Law Enforcement Award.

This award honors and recognizes those in law enforcement for their contributions to the community and accomplishments in the field of law enforcement.

Learn more about the Sons of the American Revolution.

Officer John Shafe began his employment with the Marana Police Department on February 24, 2014 and just completed 9 years of service. Officer Shafe's current assignment is with the department's uniformed directed patrol squad. As a part of this squad, Officer Shafe constantly adjusts his schedule for the needs of the department and community.

In addition to his patrol assignment, Officer Shafe is a member of the Marana Police Honor Guard and the Pima Regional SWAT Team. He is also a Marana Police drone pilot, a Firearms Instructor, a Marana Police Fit for Duty PT Instructor and an instructor for active shooter response.

Officer Shafe is also involved with Marana Police Citizens Police Academy, Pre and Post new hire academies, the Basic Police Training Academy, as well as internal advanced officer training. Officer Shafe taught over 353 hours during the calendar year 2022 and he has worked over 75 hours of overtime to meet the training needs of the department.

According to the Marana Police Department, as a SWAT operator, Officer Shafe has special training as a Sniper, a Shield operator, Dignitary Protection and is currently a SWAT Training Officer for new members of the team. Officer Shafe is subject to callouts and attends biweekly training to hone his skills as an operator. During the calendar year 2022, he was called out for and responded to 10 SWAT missions in addition to numerous SWAT demonstrations for the community. In total, Officer Shafe attended over 172 hours of SWAT training during calendar year 2022. In addition to the training hours, Officer Shafe has worked over 183 hours of overtime to meet the needs of the Pima Regional Team.

In April 2022, the Marana Police Department received an 88 Crime tip regarding an illegal Marijuana grow operation within the jurisdiction. Officer Shafe was the case officer for this investigation. Officer Shafe's investigation led to the service of two (2) search warrants at two (2) separate houses owned by the same person. The execution of the search warrants led to the discovery and seizure of hundreds of pounds of marijuana. The marijuana was grown and cultivated in both houses using sophisticated methods. The Counter Narcotics Alliance Task Force as well as agents with Homeland Security Investigations furthered the investigation. In addition to the marijuana seized, over one million dollars in assets was seized. The Counter Narcotics Alliance later recognized Officer Shafe for his investigative efforts.

On a daily basis, Officer Shafe demonstrates a high level of loyalty and commitment to the Marana Police Department and the Town of Marana. Through his work ethic, work product, and teamwork he consistently provides Unparalleled Service, Unwavering Protection, and he does so with Uncompromised Integrity.

Congratulations on your well deserved award Officer Shafe!