Gordon Rago

grago@ydr.com

It was late on a July afternoon when Officer Andrew Shaffer responded to a call at a home in Dover Township.

An older man there had collapsed while mowing his grass in what was later determined to be a fatal cardiac event, police said. Shaffer found the man behind the home, in the grass. He stayed to notify family and was there when the York County Coroner's Office arrived.

But later that night, after his shift had ended, the Northern York County Regional police officer returned to the same home.

His intentions were simple: he wanted to finish the job the man started. So he used the mower and cut the rest of the grass. He later put the power equipment away.

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"I couldn't be more proud of him," Shaffer's chief, Mark Bentzel, said on Wednesday, a day after he presented Shaffer with a Chief's Commendation achievement award. Shaffer was recognized at the police department with his family present.

Shaffer, who is in his early 20s, was hired as a patrol officer last July, Bentzel said, and is a West York Area High School graduate.

"It's pretty clear that he has really good people skills, and he's a very personable guy," the chief said. "In our profession, that's a true asset to have a police officer to interact with people — regardless of age."

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Bentzel said Shaffer did not tell him about going back to mow the lawn. His officer sought no recognition.

"In fact, I don't think anyone would have known except for the fact that the coroner's office called me," Bentzel said. The coroner's office must have heard Shaffer say something to the family about coming back to mow the lawn, the chief said.

The family also sent a letter to Bentzel, saying they thought he should know.

"When you're willing to do something for someone and expect nothing in return...that's a great gift," the chief said.