State Trooper thankful for community support after heart transplant

SHILOH, Ga. ( WRBL ) — A Georgia State Trooper is back at home in Harris County following a heart transplant. Blake Shiver and his family have found themselves overwhelmed by the outpouring of community support.

Forty-nine-year-old Blake Shiver has always led a healthy, active lifestyle. As a 20-year Navy vet, state trooper and father of nine-year-old twins, he’s always had to. It took Shiver and his family by surprise when he was diagnosed with heart failure four years ago; and again this summer when he was told he would need a heart transplant.

“Heart transplant was always like a possibility but it our minds it was way down the road, not right now,” said Shiver’s wife Jennifer, who has been married to the currently-recovering state trooper for 22 years.

For years, Shiver has dealt with borderline high-blood pressure, which he’s told is hereditary. His family has a history of heart issues.

Shiver was hospitalized at Piedmont Columbus North five weeks ago, then moved to Piedmont Atlanta a week later for further analysis and, later, a heart transplant. As Jennifer made trips to-and-from the hospital to take see Shiver, the community stepped in.

They dropped off food to make sure the couple’s children were fed, held donation drives, offered prayers and moved the lawn at the Shiver’s Shiloh home.

More than 20 law enforcement officers came together to give Shiver a police escort home when he was released from the hospital.

“It’s been overwhelming.  It’s been way overwhelming,” said Shiver appreciatively.

Many community members didn’t hesitate to say what an upstanding person Shiver is. It was apparent that, although the State Trooper had his heart replaced, he is widely known for his big heart in the community.

“I like to talk. And, and, and as I patrol, I talk,” Shiver said, adding that he sees himself not as an enforcer but a teacher. He continued, “I just don’t realize, you know, with all my talking about everybody, that— how many people that I’ve reached.”

It will still be six months to a year before Shiver is recovered enough to return to work with the State Patrol, although he will likely take on a desk job. He is grateful to be here today.

“It scares the death out of me to know that I wouldn’t be here for my babies. You know, because is so much more I got to teach them,” Shiver said, grateful that he has more time with his nine-year-olds.

He urged others to consider becoming organ donors.

“Think about giving life to somebody else,” Shiver said. He continued, “It’s the greatest sacrifice you can ever make.”

Over the next months, Shiver is looking forward to attending upcoming fundraisers held in his honor if he is well enough.

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