Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Deputy Sheriff Witt,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served as a U.S. Army Military Policeman. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

September 25, 2023

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Witt.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 25, 2021

Rest In Peace Brother. You are not forgotten

Officer Mike Robinson, (Ret)
City of Upland, CA

September 25, 2017

Rest easy and thank you for your service.

SSgt Nathan Lewis
USMC

January 8, 2017

Thanks for your service, Donn. You are sorely missed.

Roy Witt
cousin

July 13, 2014

I knew Donn Witt. He would do anything for you. Good good man. He also loved his job. You could always go to him and ask him qurstions no matter how busy he was, he would always take time to give you feedback. As a young reservst at the time Donn always took the time to answer my questions. He was a very good detective. After all these years, I still remember you. I have even thought about you over the years.
Rest In Peace my Friend. You are not forgotten. I will never forget the sign you ahd on your desk when you knew you were dying. It read, Gone Fishing. I hope you are fishing now Donn.

Reservist at the time
SDSO

January 19, 2013

Rest in Peace, Deputy Witt. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

January 21, 2012

Donn was a great officer and a great guy. I first met him in 1973 when giving my first patrol briefing as a sergeant. I was going down the names and his had my deputy's badge number. We had many conversations over the years after that, and he was highly regarded by all who knew him both as a detective and all-around good guy. The "Date of Incident" above has to be wrong, as he inherited my deputy badge when he hired on, and I didn't make sergeant until February, 1972. As a matter of interest, his badge was later stolen in a burglary, but was just recently recovered from some criminal and returned to Donn's son. RIP, Donn old friend.

Lt. Doug Clements (ret)
San Diego County Sheriff's Dept.

May 9, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 26th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous

September 25, 2009

Deputy Sheriff Witt,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of San Diego County. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous

September 25, 2008

Donn was the finest detective I ever worked with in law enforcement. I always remembered the countless times when he would bring in a suspect in handcuffs into the Detective room. I always said that someday I wanted to grow up and be just like him, making a difference so the citizens of San Diego County could sleep at night in peace. Donn certainly made a difference in my life. He was always there. I will always miss you, partner!!

Ted Snoddy
SDSO - DAI San Diego County

February 5, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

December 6, 2007

Don had the misfortune of inheriting my badge when I was promoted to sergeant in February, 1972. I later supervised him as a patrol officer, and was familiar with his work as a detective. Don was one of the finest officers I've ever known, and a great guy as well.

Lieutenant (ret.) Doug Clements
San Diego Sheriff's Department

May 29, 2006

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God". Matthew 5:9.

Wife of California Deputy Sheriff

July 9, 2005

I thank you for your service and salute you for your sacrifice. Silent killers are just as deadly.

A grateful citizen.

September 27, 2004