Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Don, I grew up with your kids in Shawnee. I remember your accident like it happened yesterday. You were taken far too soon. Your family is amazing and they have gone on to do wonderful things with their lives. Thank you for your service to our community. May you rest forever in peace.

Becky (Anderson) Burgin, RN, BSN
Friend of the family

November 11, 2024

Gone but Never Forgotten!!! I can't believe it has been 31 years dad. It still seems like yesterday. Miss you. I wish you could see all of your Grandchildren and great grandchildren. Rest Easy.

Deputy Chief Matt Gamblin
Miami County EMS, Kansas - Surviving son

November 23, 2022

Don, Ana and I worked together at Waynesville PD for several years. We were more than co-workers. Don and I patrolled the streets together. Lost touch after his death, but never forgot.

Edward L Conley, Assist. Chief, Ret.
Waynesville Police Dpt, Ret

November 22, 2020

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will always be remembered. Rest in peace always.

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

July 13, 2020

I was 18 when I witnessed the terrible accident that took the life of officer Gamblin on I-435. The memory of that terrible day has stayed with me since then. I am relieved to know that his family has gone on to lead full and hopefully happy lives -- I have always wondered about that. RIP.

a witness
a witness

March 2, 2020

It has been 28 years now dad. It is amazing how fast it has gone by. It seems like a lifetime ago that you were murdered. You were only 39. I always thought that was old, but here I am 44 and in the prime of my life. I wish you could see the things that our family have accomplished. I have 2 precious daughter's 2 and 7 and a son 18. I am a Paramedic/Battalion Chief now. I know you would be proud . There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about you. I am proud of the Officer you were. I love you Dad. I miss you. Matt

Matt Gamblin Paramedic/Battalion Chief
Miami County EMS, Son

July 13, 2019

Rest in peace Patrolman Gamblin.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 8, 2019

It has been 27 years, Dad, and not a day goes by that I don't miss you. I wish you could have seen your grandkids. They are truly awesome! They know about you and today, the anniversary of that horrible day, I am taking my four youngest to the Memorial in Topeka to honor your memory. We live you Dad and we will never forget.....

Steven Combs
Son

July 13, 2018

I was in the academy with Don. He had experience and was a bit older than the rest of us. I'm sure us snot-nosed kids got on his nerves but he was patient (and probably bit his tongue a lot).
He was taken too soon.

Ann Lindburg
Former OPPD/Arvada CO officer

January 27, 2016

Now my dad is dating his daughter and this incident makes me feel sad and I now realize how important police officers are to the community

Gilbert Alvarez JR

December 27, 2014

I am Burton's (Don Sr) Canadian cousin..He talked about Don all the time, I felt like i knew you.
I had the privelge of meeting Ana, the time you got a new T-Bird with Don's badge # as your license plate, at Burton's in Lee Summit. Now my son in law has done the same thing...and my daughter's suv has his badge number of their vechile.
I hope one day to visit the cemetary.
God Bless You All..Pam Gamblin Luciak

Pam Luciak

May 30, 2014

Rest in Peace, Officer Gamblin. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 4, 2014

I am sitting here with my children at dinner and they asked about my dad, so I got my computer to show them this site with him on it. It is at times like this that I miss him very much and I wish he had gotten to meet my children. I am sure he would have loved them and he would have been very proud of them. My wife Kitty and I have 10 children and he never got to meet any of them, but they talk about him all the time. Dad died doing what he loved to do and that is a great comfort, but he is missed every single day.

Steven Combs
Son

January 12, 2014

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 22nd anniversary year 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 who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Thanks to your family for sharing their devotion to you through their reflections.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) Officer Larry Lasater

January 7, 2013

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

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

July 9, 2012

Happy Birthday Dad. I wish you were here so Donnie could get know you better. I love and miss you a lot.

Pam
daughter

November 10, 2009

The reflections of your family certainly are a proud legacy for you and one that speaks volumes on how you raised them before your death so many years ago. I saw you son left a recent reflection for another slain Kansas Deputy and looked you up to learn the connection. I know time doesn't "heal" anything it just lets people deal with the loss and continue their lives in honor of those who are gone. I sincerely pray the God will continue to provide your family with the grace they need each day. I salute you and your police service.

Captain Mike Smathers
Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department

October 13, 2009

It has been 18 yrs today. I miss you so much, you mean the world to me and my son, your grandson. I think about you often.
Love ya dad

Pam Farrar
daughter

July 13, 2009

Dad,
It has almost been 18 years. I am sorry to say that Grandpa Gamblin died on June 9,2009. He was always so proud of you and who you were. I know you were waiting for him when he arrived in heaven. I miss you dad as does everyone else. God Bless you. Your memory will never fade. I love you Dad

Matt Gamblin EMT I/D Deputy Coroner
Miami County EMS Son

June 10, 2009

Dad

I think of you often and miss you so much. My son asks a lot of questions about you. He thinks you are one of the greatest guys. He calls you "my grandfather," and the way he says it makes me miss you more. I love you dad more than anything and wish you were here.

Pam Farrar (Gamblin)
daughter

September 17, 2008

Patrolman Gamblin, thank you for your service and dedication. You will not be forgotten. Rest in peace.

Michelle - wife of Retired LEO

September 17, 2008

Dad,
It has been 17 long years. I think you would be proud of us for what we have done with our lives. Mom is doing wonderful and is very happy. I am so proud of her. Steven has a great life and a great family. I have a great life and family and am almost done with Paramedic school. I tell my son all about you. He always wants to hear stories about Papa Gamblin. God Bless 07-13-2008

Matt Gamblin EMT I/D Deputy Coroner
Son

July 13, 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

January 19, 2008

Don,

I never knew you but think about your story often. I was just thinking about you and checked on your page. I couldn't remember the date of death but ironically, it is the anniversary. I feel for your family as I'm sure they struggle this time of year each year. Thank you for your service and sacrifice to the City of Shawnee.

July 14, 2007

It is amazing how 16 years can seem like a blink of the eyes dad. You are never far from our thoughts. Steven just had a baby boy. He is beautiful and healthy. We are all doing wonderful. keep riding. Love Matthew

EMT I/D Deputy Coroner Matt Gamblin
Son

July 13, 2007