By JAN McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Their friendship began seven years ago over a shared love of muscle cars and martial arts. It grew into a brotherhood that prompted a lifesaving act for a fellow law enforcement officer.
On Wednesday, Rossford Police Officer Michael Shaffer was honored for donating a kidney to Ohio State Highway Patrol Lt. Matthew Geer.
Shaffer, of Haskins, was presented with a Distinguished Service Medallion for his uncommon courage and selfless sacrifice at the Bowling Green Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, as Geer, of Perrysburg, looked on.
“In our profession, we talk a lot about courage,” Geer said. But Shaffer’s bravery and generosity were truly heroic, Geer said, recalling the moment his friend offered his kidney.
“I still remember that, standing in my driveway,” Geer said.
“It’s something I can never fully repay,” Geer said. “You truly learn how powerful a friendship can be. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for giving me a second chance at life.”
Shaffer, who was able to return to police work this week, two months after the surgery, never had any second thoughts about donating a kidney to his friend.
“Not one,” Shaffer said. “I just wanted to help a friend.”
In 2024, Geer was diagnosed with Alport Syndrome, a rare inherited condition that causes kidney failure and hearing loss. By October 2025, his health was rapidly declining and he began dialysis treatments several times a week while waiting to be placed on a kidney donation list.
In January of this year, Geer was put on the list. On March 5, Shaffer was told he was a positive match. And on March 25, the transplant was performed at University of Toledo Medical Center. Shaffer was in surgery five and a half hours, and Geer another seven hours.
Geer, 43, is back at work performing light duty. “I feel like I’m about 10 years younger,” he said.
Shaffer, 39, went back on full duty on Monday. “I can do my job 100%,” he said.
While Shaffer had no doubts about the transplant, his parents were apprehensive about the possible effects on their son.
“They were extremely worried. But they understood my decision,” he said. “When I say I’m going to do something, I just do it.”
His mom, Gail Ladd, of Perrysburg, looked on with pride as Shaffer was recognized on Wednesday.
“Of course I was nervous – I’m a mom,” Ladd said. But she knew her son would not stand by while his friend struggled. “He was always the kid to run and help a friend.”
Shaffer’s girlfriend, Jamie Mariano, a dispatcher at the BG State Patrol Post, also looked on with admiration.
“I’m proud of him,” she said.
Though Geer and Shaffer share the bond of working in law enforcement, they actually met in a Jiu Jitsu class in Toledo in 2019.
“I beat him all the time,” Shaffer said with a grin.
After class as they walked to the parking lot, they realized they both owned classic Pontiac Trans Am cars.
“We’re both big car guys,” Shaffer said, comparing their bond to the “Step Brothers” bromedy movie. “We inevitably became best friends.”
Geer noted the far-reaching effects of Shaffer’s organ donation, calling him a “true hero.”
“I’ll go about living my life,” he said, but added that Shaffer’s generosity may inspire others to consider the selfless sacrifice of organ transplants.
“If you can donate, donate to save someone’s life,” Shaffer said. “I’d do it again if I could.”
