Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Agent aware,
On today, the 20th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country-not just as a DEA Agent but also when you served with the U.S. Navy. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Fair Winds And Following Seas

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

October 12, 2024

SA Ware:
Your story is one of inspiration and uncommon valor. Just surviving the original kidnapping and severe wounds are amazing. Going back to work despite the painful operations and lingering side effects is even more indicative of an iron man. I've known many DEA Agents in my career and they were all good, dedicated and exceptional people. I had to the opportunity to attend the DEA Drug Commander's school in Quantico. You obviously were an exceptional agent, cut from the same mold of those who came before you. Thanks for your sacrifice and brave/honorable service to this great nation.

Jim Lopey, Asst. Sheriff (ret)
Washoe County Sheriff (Reno, Nevada) & NVDPS (current)

October 12, 2021

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will always be remembered by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

October 12, 2020

Thank you for your dedicated service to our country sir. You will never ever be forgotten sir.

Retired First Sergeant Thomas Webb
New York State Police - Troop "D"

September 5, 2020

Think of you often Don and the good times we had at APD academy and working undercover together in Albuquerque.

Chaplain John Elms
Tillamook County Sheriff's Office, Oregon; APD & LAPD, retire

May 14, 2020

Agent Ware,
On today, the 13th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

October 12, 2017

Hello Don my friend,

We had a good time chasing down bad guys in Latin America...

Rest in peace my friend.

Keeping you and your family in my prayers.

Rande Matteson

Senior Supervisory Special Agent
DEA

May 23, 2017

Your heroism and service is honored today, the seventh 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.

I pray for the solace of your family and friends for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mom of fallen officer Larry Lasater

October 12, 2011

Did I know Donnie Ware? I was working with him in Mexico the afternoon of the shooting. I was on a surveillance point not far from Donnie and with my partner responded to the location the shooting had taken place. RIP

Lionel Lizarraga, Retired S/A
Retired DEA

May 14, 2011

Don was a dedicated government agent who, against overwhelming odds, continued living, working and providing for his family. He was a model for honesty and left a legacy of integrity that we would all do well to follow.

Patty & Larry Guggino, Sr.
brother & sister - in- law

April 20, 2011

Uncle Don still earns respect from the example he set of how to be a good person; display courage, show compassion, give love, charity, be humble and above all this admit to being human.

He is remembered by many as always being there - in good times and bad. Fortunately, I have many good times to remember. During my childhood, Uncle Don and Aunt Rita celebrated all family holidays and get-togethers with joy and good food in their home. As a child, they both always made me feel welcome and included. As an adult, I appreciated Uncle Don's acknowledgement of my adulthood through respectful conversation.

Of course, I knew Don primarily as my uncle. In spite of his humbleness, the fact that he was an agent and the service he performed was respected and revered in our family. After his shooting, he demonstrated enormous perserverance continuing his service to the agency and devotion to his family. Although he had to endure much after sustaining his injuries, I am so grateful for the time he had afterwards to be with his family.

You are greatly missed but never forgotten.

Michelle
Niece

March 6, 2011

My Grandfather. He was a great man and never let anyone be disrespected. He will be missed.

Anonymous

March 3, 2011

We met Don a few years after the shooting took place. He'd already resumed working and tending to the business of being a husband and father. We always enjoyed his fun sense of self deprecating humor and will never forget his "good old Ware luck" expression. We were always impressed by his impeccable character and complete devotion to his wife and daughters..he was a true family man. His greatest accomplishment, in his eyes, was his ability to provide well for his family and his greatest joy was watching his daughters grow.We miss him.

Lonnie & Nettie Smith
friends

February 27, 2011

Don, was like a father to me. I remember when I first met him (at around 9 years of age), I was impressed with him being an Albuquerque Police Officer and just a cool guy. He immediatly made a connection with me, and I knew that he was genuinely interested in me and not just trying to impress my sister. Over the many years(~37 years) that I had the privalage of knowing him and loving him, he continued in that role. He was a mentor to me and someone I could trust and always rely on. He was a true friend and confidant to me. He was a hero. His integrity and genuine regard for his fellow man made a lasting impression and was a tremendous influence in my life. He was always there for me - and especially in the tough times. I have missed him immensly, and will do so the rest of my life. I miss you Don, and not a day goes by that I don't think about you!

Mario Guggino
Brother-in-law

February 26, 2011

My father was the bravest man I've ever known. Although injuries from the kidnapping left him disabled for the rest of his life, he never gave up on himself or his family, he never lost hope that his work was making this world a better place, and he continually showed pride and dedication in his role with the Agency.

I strive every day to live up to the standards my father set for me - to be grateful for my life and to be giving of myself in everything I do.

Thanks dad. I love you.

Jamie Marie Ware
Daughter

February 26, 2011

Don, what an honor it was to attend the Albuquerque Police Academy with you. Those were fun days. Even more fun was working undercover with you for APD. You were a great roll model for me and we have some wonderful and sometimes funny memories. Thanks for your service as a Special Agent with DEA. I am sure your work with the old BNDD was one reason you made the switch. Thanks for being such an honorable American hero and serving our Country in the war against drugs and drug dealers. It will be such a special honor for Rita and your children and grand kids to see you honored at the NLEOMF wall on May 13th. May God bless and protect your family. Your friend and partner, Johnnie Mack

Chaplain John Elms
Tillamook County SO & NPW COPS

February 25, 2011

Agent Ware,
Sir, it has taken over 6 years but you are finally being honored. I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
USBP

February 6, 2011

Special Agent Ware - You served with honor, Sir, exhibiting courage beyond anything I've ever seen. Thank you for your service to the people of our nation. May God grant you eternal rest and may His perpetual light shine upon you.

Chief K. Moreland (Ret. Sgt.)
Palmer Lake, CO PD (Ret. LAPD)

February 4, 2011

Thank you for your service and sacrifice. My condolences to your family, friends and coworkers of the Drug Enforcement Administration. May you rest in peace.

Off. William F. Shields
Federal Reserve Police/Philadelphia - Retired/Haverford Police

February 2, 2011