New Mural Proposed Downtown for Fallen Great Falls Officer

(Updated 8-27-2024/Ceremony Announced)

Great Falls Citizens Do It Again Making a Dream a Reality

After just a couple of months of fundraising efforts across Great Falls, the Great Falls Police Department has announced that the Shane Chadwick Memorial Mural will be dedicated in September.

(See full story below about Officer Chadwick and his end of watch below) 👇

The new mural will be dedicated on September 7th, 2024, at 721 1st Alley North in Great Falls at 8am.  In the making the announcement, the GFPD said:

All community members are invited to attend the short ceremony, taking place in the alley where Chadwick was killed in the early morning hours of September 7, 1994, while investigating a noise complaint. Chadwick was the last of five GFPD officers killed in the line of duty.  All community members are invited.

New Mural Proposed Downtown for Fallen Great Falls Officer

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the end of watch for officer Shane Chadwick.  The officer was responding to a disturbance in the 700 block of 1st Avenue North in Great Falls, MT.

Officer Chadwick was shot and killed by a subject with a history of mental health problems.  To help preserve his legacy and to honor Officer Chadwick, several local community members are proposing a new mural for downtown.

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Proposal Would See a Memorial Mural Designed and Installed in Great Falls

The idea for the mural comes from a former police officer with the force, who presented it to several previous and current law enforcement personnel with the Great Falls Police Department.  The mural would be placed on the side of the Lifestyle Building, in the alley near 721 Central Avenue.  The owner has already given permission for the artwork.

Artist Jim DeStaffany, who created the Charles M. Russell, and the Alma Jacobs tribute memorials downtown has also indicated that he would be interested in painting the mural for Officer Chadwick.

Cost for Mural is Easily Reachable with Donations from the Public

DeStaffny estimated that the mural would cost around $5,500 to complete.  Former members of the GFPD have begun a fundraising effort to complete this project.  Rich Hollis, owner of the Hi Ho Tavern and a former law enforcement officer who served with Officer Chadwick is also behind the project.

According to the social media page Shane Chadwick Memorial Downtown Mural, "If you are interested in donating to this project, the Shane Chadwick Memorial Mural account has been established at Horizon Credit Union. Any funds obtained over the required amount will be maintained to keep the mural a vibrant part of the downtown area."

The page also offers a QR Code for donation capabilities.  You can use your phone camera on the picture above to help.  Additional fundraising efforts will be announced in the near future.