Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

We continue to acknowledge the true sacrifice and dedicated service of Police Officer Mac J. Donnelly Jr. RIP sir knowing that you will never ever be forgotten.

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

October 11, 2020

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

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

June 16, 2020

Rest in peace Officer Donnally.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 16, 2020

On behalf of your late brother Prosecutor Brian Donnelly, I carry on your memory and make sure you are not forgotten.

First Lieutenant Vence Woods
Michigan DNR Law Enforcement Division Environmental Investigation Sec

May 14, 2019

I was there that morning and witnessed one of the bravest things I've ever seen. Made an Indelible memory etched into my brain forever. You sacrificed your own safety for the safety of others. I watched as you jumped out of that big Olds Toronado and approached the suspect get away car with no apprehension. Your bravery that day and the impact it made on my life has followed me throughout my own Law Enforcement career in MDOC. Every time I faced a dangerous situation I thought of you and your ultimate sacrifice and service. Thank you my friend. I shall never forget. Respect.

Gary Strpko
Michigan Dept. of Corrections [retired]

October 12, 2018

Still remembered, on behalf of the late Brian Donnelly (Kalkaska County Prosecutor).

First Lieutenant Vence Woods
Michigan DNR Environmental Investigation Section

May 15, 2018

Rest in peace.

Sgt. Jim Russo

June 17, 2017

I remember the day well. Very sad. Enjoyed working with him. Rest In Peace.
Tom Kelly

Patrolman Tom Kelly
Lansing Police Department

June 17, 2017

Mac,

You taught me to hunt. You taught me police work. You taught me what it meant to be a father and man. I carried you to your grave and will always carry your memory in my heart.
MJU

Chief Martin Underhill
Grand Ledge Mi. Police Dept. (Lansing MI Police Dept. Ret.)

June 16, 2017

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

June 16, 2015

Wanted to take a momenet to carry on your memory and let your family know you are not forgotten. Your brother Brian was my good friend and prosecutor. I always made it a point to call him this week on your behalf. Saddly we lost Brian a couple of years ago, but I will continue to remember you both!

First Lieutenant Vence Woods
DNR LED

May 13, 2015

Officer Mac,
I was one of the hostage's in the car on that day. I Thank you. You gave your life to save the lives of others. I will be forever grateful. I think of you often. My name was Connie Downs then, I was a teller at the bank.

Connie Putnam
Grateful Survivor

June 29, 2014

Mac
It's been a long time sense the third mid Michigan Police Academy. I had a great visit with you dad at one of the special events held at Ingham Co. Sheriff Office. I went on the retire from Ingham co. as a Captain in 1995. Until we meet again save a place for the rest of us.

Captain (Retired)
Ingham County Sheriff Dept.

November 12, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 35th 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.

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

November 21, 2012

Mac & I attended the third mid michigan police academy years ago. I was at a recent event where I just happened to meet with members of the family and shared our thoughts about Mac. Miss you brother.

Captain (Retired) John Conaty
Ingham County sheriff Office Michigan

July 17, 2012

This week it will be 35 years since Mac Jr.'s death. A few weeks after that horrible day, I joined law enforcement myself in California. Mac and I were in the U.S. Coast Guard at the same time in the 60's although at first I didn't know that even though we were 1rst cousins. While I served as a sergeant in the California Highway Patrol, on every June 16th I briefed my officers to be very careful and to know that sooner or later tragedy would strike close to them as it did for the Donnelly family. I told them to never give up doing the right things in law enforcement and to keep fighting for justice.

Sergeant Patrick Donnelly
California Highway Patrol (retired) and first cousin of Mac Jr.

June 10, 2012

Mac's brother, Brian Donnelly died suddenly of a heart attack 1/14/2012. He died on the Vasa ski trail near Traverse City MI, doing one of the things he enjoyed most. Mac was his hero and the inspiration for his career as a prosecuting attorney. The citizens of Kalkaska County, Grand Traverse County and Kalamazoo County are grateful for his service. Brian's funeral is Friday, January 20, at the Kalkaska (MI) Church of Christ.

Chaplain Dan Johnson
Church of Christ

January 18, 2012

Mac,

I have some fond memories of some of the calls we made together, and I will never forget that day in Frandor. I stopped by your grave on the 25th anniversary of your death to let you know I haven't forgotten you. It just happened to be Fathers Day, and all but one of your children were there. I got to speak to them briefly and I think you would be very proud of them. I think of you often......

Detective Retired, Randy Jones
Lansing Police Dept

April 21, 2010

We never forget!

Anonymous

April 4, 2009

My God, Mac. It has been almost 33 years since that day we responded to that bank robbery. I remember setting up with Sgt. Mike, and Pete, Randy, Paul like it was yesterday. Funny, but I can recall every single minute of that entire event, even though some days a lot of the other old memories fade. Mac, to this day I wonder what did you see that made you make your move? I knew you well enough to know that you are a hero. I am so sorry we weren't able to prevent your death. You are missed.Your friend, Dan

Officer Daniel Isaac
Lansing Police Dept.

February 18, 2009

Mac

Just stopped by to say hi my brother. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers this day.

John 3rd Mid-Michigan Police academy, keep your left up

Capt. John Conaty
Ingham County Sheriff Office

September 8, 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

November 15, 2007

To Margaret and family:

Thirty years ago today, I was a rookie officer, present at the scene of the robbery of the Michigan National Bank, responding to what seemed like a routine early morning false alarm, when Mac ended up giving his life in the rescue of hostages. I will always remember his sense of humor and the care and concern he showed to a young officer who respected his work ethic and the duty and courage he displayed in his life and in his death.

I will be joining with others in the 2007 Illinois Concerns of Police Officers (COPS)ride across the State of Illinois to raise awarenes and funds to support survivors of Law Enforcement line of duty deaths. I will be participating in this worthy cause, remembering the impression Mac's courage and sacrifice left in my mind. I will be thinking of him and your family as we honor the men and women who gave their lives in the line of duty in 2006.

Although thirty years have passed since Mac's death, I want you to know that he will never be forgotten, and I will do my best to use the influence his life and death had on me to do good for other survivors in honor of his memory.

God bless you and we know God has Mac in His care today.

Richard S. Burgess
Former Lansing Police Officer - 1976-1986

June 16, 2007

I am a good friend of Brian Donnelly, Mac's brother and Prosecutor for Kalkaska County. I know what a great guy Mac must have been from the way he is remebered. Know that your brother is keeping up the good fight in your honor and I hope you are resting "High on the mountain". We will all meet someday!

D/Sgt. Vence Woods
Michigan Dept. of Environmental Quality-Office of Criminal Invest.

February 7, 2007

Hi Mac 3rd Mid Michigan Police Academy
You are always in our thoughts, rest in peace my brother.

John Conaty Captain Retired
Ingham County Sheriff Dept

November 8, 2005