Officer Shawn Lee Loses Fight With Leukemia
Wilmington officer passed away on Saturday.
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It was a solemn weekend for the Wilmington Police Department, which lost one of its own on Saturday.
Officer Shawn Lee lost his battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia on Saturday, as he passed away nearly one year after his diagnosis. After he was diagnosed in February, Lee was told he needed a bone marrow transplant.
No one was available for comment at the police department as of Sunday afternoon, but one town official did confirm that a wake is scheduled for Tuesday from 3-9 p.m. at Nichols Funeral Home. A funeral with military honors is set for Wednesday at 10 a.m. at St. Thomas of Villanova.
The loss hit the community hard, as residents have supported Lee, a well-known and respected officer and United States Air Force veteran, in recent months. In May the police department sponsored a bone marrow registration and blood drive in Lee's honor.
“Family is most important and Shawn hopes this registry drive and blood drive will help other patients and their families,” said Mary Anne Lee, Shawn’s mother at the time of the drive.
In September, residents came out in droves for a fundraiser that benifited Lee and fellow officer Tom Miller, who recently suffered a stroke.
On Sunday, a host of ourpourings appeared on the Shawn Lee Fanclub page on Facebook, where many residents were informed of the news.
Anyone who knew Officer Lee is invited to share their memories in the comments section below, or contact Local Editor Matt Schooley via e-mail or by phone at (978) 761-9478.
Phil
10:33 pm on Sunday, December 11, 2011
I went to a Police Officer's funeral this morning,
My emotions were high and all were mourning
The bagpipes played Amazing Grace,
The loss of this Officer was on my face
With tears in my eye's and a heavy heart,
It was the sound of Taps that tore me apart
To see the Honor Guard fire their guns,
This Officer now guards the heavens and sun
My memories go to the times we had,
These I enjoy but oh I feel sad
I'm sad for the family most of all,
With grief in their hearts they still stand tall
Today we buried one of our own,
Tomorrow we'll visit the gravesides stone
This Officer answers roll calls from above,
As the Guardian of Paradise with all it's love
The Officer has stood the final inspection,
Judged by God on their life's reflection
Many times it took more to preserve,
An Officer's motto "To Protect and Serve".
RIP Shawn