Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

RIP, he will never be forgotten.

First Sergeant Thomas Webb, Retired
New York State Police

June 17, 2019

Thinking of you today, Don. Rest in Peace brother.

Officer R Baustert
Apollo PD

May 13, 2019

Rest in peace Sergeant Mahan.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 12, 2019

Never forgotten. I worked with Don in Lake Park and when I was with SLSO until I left law enforcement in 1990. He was a good man and a dedicated officer. Just thinking of you today Don as I do from time to time. Good men leave this world but are remembered by those who knew of their dedication to duty. RIP old friend.

Steven Singer
Former Lake Park officer and SLSO deputy

February 28, 2016

I worked with Don in the Lake Park Police Dept. He worked in Lake Park just before he went to Riviera Beach PD. Don was always willing to lend a hand with anything and I remember and cherish his friendship always.

Sgt Gordon Lerner
North Palm Beach PD

September 29, 2015

Seems most of these reflections are from people who knew you from Palm Beach County. Well, Donnie, I remember you from Port St. Lucie. I was a rookie and you were just a little bigger and shinier than the others...you and your motorcycle. We were on evening shift together . I remember sitting in briefing and marveling at the size of your hands. Big. With an abundance of blonde hair on your forearms. Oh, and a great smile. Huge and shared freely with all...all the time!

I also remember driving to work the day you died . Traffic slowed in my northbound lane of US 1 as I passed the intersection at Westmoreland approaching PSL BLVD. I saw the commotion in the southbound lane. Saw the remnants of debris from Rescue having done their job. I didn't know until I got to the Department what had happened.

I walked in the back door by the SallyPort and everyone was very quiet, eyes cast downward. No one said hello. No one was bustling around. I checked my mail... Still . . No one was talking.

I went up front... One of the records clerks was crying. 2 PSAs were huddled, talking in hushed tones. My quizical look was met with these words, "Donnie Mahan got hit by a car. They don't know if he's going to make it. ".

Yours wasn't the last funeral of a fellow officer I'd attend, but it was the one that made me hate the sound of bagpipes. Every time I hear them I think of May 13, 1992. I get a little pang in my stomach and remember how appropo it was that you would go 10/7 helping someone else.

This tear's for you, Donnie, the memory of your smile, and a lesson learned for me that life is short, and if all one is ever remembered for is their smile... Well, that's not such a bad thing now, is it?

Ofc Annette Peterson (Ret)
Port St Lucie Police Dep't

May 13, 2015

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
God Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

May 13, 2015

Donny, was one of my Field Training Officers in Riviera Beach and passed his love for traffic enforcement on to me. I think of him fondly and often. I know he is watching over all of his brothers and sisters whop were left behind to carry on with the mission of keeping our communities safe. Donny, you will never be forgotten!

Dennis Root

July 7, 2014

RIP BROTHER. YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN

TRF OFC G V DAUNHAUER(RET)
JACKSONVILLE SHERIFF OFFICE

May 13, 2014

I'm honored to be a part of several hundred motor units from across the United States that are currently at Ronald Reagan Metro Airport in Washington, D.C. preparing for National Police Memorial Week. Those motor units and I will be escorting family members and co-workers of law enforcement officers that were killed in the line-of-duty to and from several ceremonial events.

Motor Sergeant Donald Mahan, your untimely and tragic death and humbling funeral service made a huge impact on me early in my career. I will never forget witnessing your wife and precious children during that service and the sadness that existed. Family is truly the most precious asset that each of us have and it broke my heart to witness the pain and grief that so many experienced.

You and your family, especially your children, will be in my thoughts and prayers during these memorial events.....

And, I'll crack the Harley pipes for you while I'm here!

Deputy Paul Montgomery - Motor Unit 30
Dickson County Sheriff's Office
Dickson, Tennessee

Paul Montgomery - Motor Unit
Dickson County Sheriff's Office

May 11, 2014

Heroes live forever, Sergeant Mahan, and we will never forget. Thank you for the sacrifice you made for the citizens of Port St. Lucie and the great State of Florida.

Greater Houston C.O.P.S.

May 13, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today on the 20th anniversary of your death.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace. Thanks to your family and friends for sharing their memories and devotion to you through their reflections.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

May 13, 2012

Rest in Peace, Sergeant Mahan. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 16, 2012

Hey everyone, this is Donnie's daughter,I am loving hearing the stories about my dad. I now see how much everyone respected him. It hurts to not have memories with him like all of you do, or know him at least a little bit. My wish is to hear enough about him to make me feel like I knew him as well as you all did. His passing was a major tragedy to our family,his friends, and to the departments he worked for. I know that my dad was the best man he could be. He risked his life for anyone and everyone everyday, just like all of you do. It hurts to know I will never see him again until I pass myself, but if you guys could keep the stories coming that would mean a lot! If it weren't for my dad I wouldn't be in such a fight to become a police officer to follow in his steps. I see and hear how much my dad did for other people, and I know I want to be just like him. :) Even though he is not here with us, he still puts his input in with everything I do. I can feel him sitting next to me as I write this, and I know he would appreciate all of you for writing on this. May God Bless You All. Thank you for your reflections, and please KEEP THEM COMING! :) Love you daddy! ALWAYS and FOREVE_! :) no R because that would be the end of forever. :) SEE YOU SOON!

Courtney Mahan
Daughter

December 7, 2010

Donnie, as your youngest cousin i still remember when you came to pick me up at my fathers in Va. and took me home to stay at our grandmas in Pa. At that time i believe you were working for THREE(3) different depts. part-time and i told you if you didnt slow down woul would end up putting one uniform on, going to another dept then patrolling the 3rd.
i was about 13 or so then and told you i to wanted to go into law enforcement. you said you would kick my butt if i did. Well i guess its in our blood because as distant as our familys were , 3 cousins were doing the job in some capacity at the same time. even tho we lost touch for many years i always held you in high regards. i finally got to meet kelly and the kids after finding everyone again a cpl yrs ago. they are all fantastic Donny, i dont have to tell you that tho cousin. be well buddy,, u are missed

OFC. JAMES PLENDERLEITH
FL. DEPT OF CORRECTIONS, RETIRED.

November 25, 2010

I knew Donnie fairly well. I worked with his wife here in Tequesta. She was our midnight shift dispatcher. He would come in and ride with us just so he could be near her. If anyone knows what became of his wife, Kelly, and his kids, please e-mail me a note. I would like to find out.

Donnie was a good friend to all who had the pleasure of knowing him. A kind soul and an inspiration to all of us as to what a cop should be like.

Donnie gave his life helping people. What a tragedy, but what a fine way to be remembered.

Thank you.

Officer Robert "Bo" Worcester
Tequesta POlice Dept

November 20, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today on the 18th 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 who was murdered in the the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer. He was shot twice when ambushed on April 23rd when he was on a foot pursuit of two bank robbers, 13 years after you were killed.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. I can tell by the reflections left by your friends that you were a special man and a very professional officer.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry lasater

May 13, 2010

Donnie, I remember you so well. I really cherish the memory of when you would come to Tequesta and ride with me. You loved your wife, Kelly, so much and she was our dispatcher on midnights. She would sit in dispatch painting her figurines during quiet times while you would ride with us just to be around her. You loved your family and policework so much.

I remember having to break the news of your death to our old friend, Bob Gratton, who has since gone on to join you. How shocked he was. He remembered the times when you would bring home one of his kids in some minor trouble and how you handled it all so well.

The last time I saw Kelly was at your funeral and the thought of that day still brings a tear to my eye. I would love to know how she is doing and how your kids turned out.

You are so well thought of down here on earth that they named the police building in Port St. Lucie after you.

You are loved and missed by so many of us. I am a better officer, for having had your example to live up to. You set the benchmakrk high for all of us.

I even went to the memorial in Washington DC and penciled your name off the wall.

I miss you pal.

Officer Robert Worcester
Tequesta Police Department

October 7, 2009

Donnie , I was your instuctor when you went through Police Motorcycle School in Palm Beach County . I will never forget how much you wanted to be a Motorman. You were one of the best and sharpest students in the class,you were strong like a bull and when you would down the motor you could pick it up without even getting off of it.You were a GOOD Guy and loved by everyone . May God bless you and your family . You will not be forgotten.

Ret. Deputy Sheriff Steve Wexler
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office - Police Motorcycle Instructor

November 16, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

May 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

December 16, 2007

Don, I remember meeting you and immediately being impressed with you. You became an inspiration to me. I remember all the times I rode along with you at Riviera Beach PD. It was because of those time that I chose to be a police officer. I remember the day you married my sister and became part of my family. Unfortunately, I remember getting the phone call that night and learning of your death. A part of me died that night also. Though you died the week prior to me entering the police academy I know you were with me in spirit. Now, almost 15 years later I think of you on every shift. Thank you for everything you did for your family.God Bless you.

Ptlm. Steve Aulerich
Washington Twp. PD

February 6, 2007

Donnie I still think about you often. I remember that night as if it were yesterday from the time that we left Rosser to go out to US 1. You rubbed your hands together and said let's go write some tickets.

I wish now that I had not stopped at the office to change cars. If I had not stopped I would have been there with you. You are truely missed.

D/S Rick Parks
Martin County S.O. Formerly PSLPD

November 30, 2006

On the evening of May 12, Sgt. Donnie R. Mahan was working the 3-11 shift and just made a traffic stop on southbound US. 1. A multiple car accident had just occurred in the northbound lanes opposite from where he was.

People were calling for help. There were pregnant women in two of the vehicles. He was crossing the highway to respond to what turned out to be a five car accident. He was struck by a lone southbound vehicle. He was officially pronounced dead at 12:46 a.m. on May 13, 1992. He was thirty-two years old. He spent his entire adult life doing what he believed to be right. He was known to be polite, courteous and conduct himself in a professional manner with concern for the community that he served. He will be remembered and missed. He is survived by his wife, son and daughter.

I came across the poem, author unknown and felt appropriate to share at this time.

GRIEVE NOT FOR ME

Grieve not for me for it has been ordained,
that my journey here be short.
Grieve not for me for my loyal presence
will ever remain in your heart.

I was sent to be a guardian,
for the Guardians of Law in Blue.
A fearless noble protector,
with a bond that few can construe.

With character unshakable,
and senses that are well heightened,
I was sent to be a defender,
so that your burden here would be lightened.

Grieve not for me for in heavenly blue,
our reunion day will come.
Grieve not for me for as partners again,
we will defend a greater kingdom.

Dr. Jeerome Gordon
Staff Psychologist

May 5, 2006

I didn't know you that well, but I remember having a meal with you once or twice at the pancake place in North Palm Beach. I was working then with that police department, and you were with the Town of Lake Park. The restaurant was on the borders of those two cities, and I'd met many Lake Park officers there. I live in Port St Lucie now, and like to think it's a better city because of the efforts of people like you..

EMT John Brooks
Coastal Care Advanced Life Support

March 2, 2006