BELTON, Texas — After a long, difficult battle with cancer, 65-year-old Corporal Shawn Hearn passed away at home on Jan. 10, 2024, surrounded by his family.
According to his obituary, Hearn served in the United States Air Force as a military police officer before serving as a Peace Officer for over 40 years within University Park P.D., Fort Worth P.D., Johnson County Sheriff, Killeen ISD P.D. and finally serving as a Corporal at the Bell County Sheriff Department (BCSD).
BCSD Lieutenant of Operations Christopher Wilcox told 6 News that the news of Hearn's passing was heartbreaking for the department and the community.
"I know that there's going to be individuals who are going to look back in their career in 20-30 years and remember the impact that Shawn had on them," Wilcox explained.
While working in law enforcement, Hearn achieved the highest certification as a Texas Peace Officer and Master Peace Officer.
However, Hearn's most memorable achievement happened in 2021 when he saved the life of a 14-day-old infant by performing nine minutes of CPR.
Destanii and Chris Shaw, the parents of the child, said without the help of Hearn, their daughter would likely not be alive today.
"It's truly amazing that he just did it," Destanii Shaw explained. "He didn't stop, he didn't hesitate, he just took action and did it. I don't know very many people that would continue for nine minutes so we're really glad that he did."
Hearn was awarded the Texas Lawman of the Year Award in June of 2022 for courageously saving the child's life.
Even after that incident, the Shaws say Hearn and his wife Sonja kept in close contact with the family.
"He came to her birthday parties and was even there when we went through the adoption part for Nora," Shaw added. "He's just become such a big part of our family. We're devastated that he's no longer with us but we hope his family and us can still continue that legacy."
Wilcox says while it's painful that Hearn is no longer here, his memory will last for generations to come.
"There's nothing that we can do that would adequately express our feelings for Shawn," Wilcox explained. "Amazing work that he did, not just throughout his career, but he was such an amazing person. So many highlights, so many great deeds."
Hearn is survived by his wife Sonja Hearn, three daughters- Kelli Jones and husband Jordan, Keri Tatum and Rylee Hearn; and seven grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life for Corporal Shawn Hearn will be held on Friday, Jan. 19 at 2:00 p.m. It will be held at the First Baptist Church, 506 N. Main St. in Belton.
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