Frankie Mae Shivers, a 28-year-old African American female, tragically lost her life on September 5, 1982, in Hollywood, Florida. Officer Shivers had been serving with the Hollywood Police Department for just nine months when she was killed in the line of duty. On the evening of her death, she and her training officer responded to a traffic accident on State Road 7 near Grant Street.
The incident began when a mentally disturbed female driver intentionally crashed into the back of a police cruiser, causing it to burst into flames.
As Officer Shivers and her partner attempted to assist the injured driver, the situation took a deadly turn. The woman, who was later identified as suicidal, managed to grab Officer Shivers' revolver and shot her multiple times. Despite the immediate response from other officers, who engaged in a shootout with the woman, Officer Shivers succumbed to her injuries the following day at Memorial Hospital. The woman was killed during the exchange of gunfire.
The investigation into the incident revealed that the woman had deliberately caused the crash in an attempt to end her own life. Officer Shivers' death was a result of her heroic efforts to save the woman from the burning vehicle. She was posthumously honored as Officer of the Year for 1982, recognizing her bravery and dedication to her duty.
There were no arrests or further suspects in the case, as the perpetrator was killed at the scene. The incident was thoroughly investigated, and it was determined that Officer Shivers' actions were in line with her duty as a police officer. Her death highlighted the dangers faced by law enforcement officers and the unpredictable nature of their work. Officer Shivers is remembered for her courage and commitment to serving her community.
