Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I remember Donnie McGuire so very much!! My husband at the time was Floyd Van Horn, who was one of his training officers. He always said that Donnie was going to be a Great Police Officer. And that he was. Him and his buddy Joe O’ belly used to come by our house and have a beer and just have laughs and fun. When we weren’t home they would leave 2 Budweiser’s on our back door door knob just to let us know that they had been there!! It was a very, very sad sad day when we lost him. Not just for the LRPD , but for all those that loved that guy!! I miss you Donnie!!
Rest In Peace!!
Alice (Van Horn) Mowrey

A friend. Alice
Alice (Van Horn) Mowrey good friend to Donnie

May 14, 2021

Your smile captivated from the moment I saw you. I remember our rides on your motorcycle and meeting your parents. You were my inspiration of what being a police officer really is. You'd visit me in the Training Division from Narcotics and share words of encouragement, one day sparking my interest in the "man" behind the badge. It was these times we shared together that showed me your tender side. I do miss the old "gang" Joe, Doc, Ralf, Linda, Faith, Sgt. Riggins, etc., but I miss you the most. We will meet up again for pizza. Until the say, "Hello" to my Dad. I miss you always Don.

Cadet Debbie L. Futrell
LR Police Department 1979-1981

April 10, 2020

Today we (LRFOP) will be interviewed by news media regarding the Supreme Court decision that basically releases the two thugs who took you from us. It's sad the way the world is turning out. I recall fondly the times we took those trips to New Orleans, you, me, Marty, Joe, and Danny. All so young and full of life as young officers (well, at least y'all were!) We have certainly missed your humor and wonderful smile. One day we'll meet again and talk about old times, my friend!

Allen Quattlebaum, Det. Sgt. (Ret)
Little Rock Police Department

January 17, 2020

It's been a lifetime since that terrible day, May 14th, 1980. I was a Cadet, you were my first love. I left the LRPD not long after; joined the Navy. I was running away from the pain of losing you and the fear of encountering the ultimate sacrifice a police officer faces each and every day. If only we had had just one more ride on your motorcycle. Making big plans for a weekend at Petit Jean, we didn't know how little time was left for us. It pains me that you died alone at the hands of two young thugs (Little & Butler). Their families can visit them; we dont have that option. I finally married 10 years later. But not even he could hold a candle to you. Yes, you were that special --a good man! I often think of Ralph, and Ronnie, Doc, Faith, Dean, Joe, Paul, everyone, and how all our lives changed that night. Its a pain that never goes away. To have known you, even for a brief moment on this earth, was well worth it Don. I know you're in good company where you are; lots of family and friends now, but I miss you here, in this relm. It's been a long, long time. Please remember to save a seat for me.

Debbie Hall (Futrell)
LRPD Cadet and Friend.

August 9, 2018

Just thinking and checking in on you Don.. You were a good friend here on earth and I hope you are keeping an eye on my ol wife Suzanne.. I warned you she was on her way and things would never be the same again.. We got married just after you were taken from us so you never met down here. I just learned my old girlfriend (before Suzanne), and your friend, Sandy.. has also passed away a few years ago.. I guess you knew it before I did and you will surely have your hands full with both of them.. Just a word to say I am thinking of all of my brothers and sisters from the job and our friends and family with you there or the ones still stuck here. Things are bad for all the brothers and sisters in Blue or Brown (L.E.) now days. No Respect for the job or the man.. Now mostly thought of as a target by way too many. Heaven help all our active law enforcement personnel and may the good citizens and people we try to serve and protect keep or regain the respect they did have for Law Enforcement

Capt (Retired) Paul "Steve" Watson
DeQueen Police Department

February 8, 2018

You served with a great police department. Thank you for your service. You will never be forgotten. Our prayers are with you, your family, and your fellow officers on this and every day. God bless

Special Agent-in-Charge Diane Upchurch
FBI - Little Rock

May 14, 2017

Don, I think of you often my friend. I left law enforcement for a while, about six months after you were taken. I did another 20 plus years on the job after that night and got married for the last time. Not to one of the ladies you met, but her stepfather had been my Lt. at Jacksonville PD. I lost her this year after 36 years. The really loud voice at the Pearly Gates June 2nd, 2016 would have been her. Hope you keep an eye on her until I get up there.
Thanks Partner.

Captain Paul "Steve" Watson (Retired) DeQueen AR. Police Department
Jacksonville AR. PD, Ashdown AR. PD, Foreman AR. City Marshall, DeQueen AR. PD

February 3, 2017

Rest in God's loving embrace, hero. You will never be forgotten.

Retired Wisconsin L.E.O.

May 14, 2016

Don was my friend. Roommate. Confidant. Miss him and will never forget him.

Sherry Case
friend

July 14, 2015

Gone, but not forgotten. May you R.I.P.

Ron Skeeters
Surviving Son Trooper Bernie Skeeters
Illinois State Police
EOW 5-20-1982

May 15, 2015

Another "Hero" taken.
You helped make this world a safer place to live.
May God grant you eternal peace.
Prayers to your loved ones and to your department.

Det. Billy Russo (Ret.)
Nassau County PD, NY

May 14, 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 14, 2015

I had been on loan to LRPD Vice from Jcksonville PD (1980) and got to work for Don. It was a blast ! Him and the other guys were great and it was a pleasure working with them. The night Don was murdered, I was scheduled to meet and work with him in Little Rock, but I had been called in to work at my department until after 11 PM. When I talked to Don he advised he was working alone and would just work your way back to the PD and call it a night. Shortly after that he ran across the suspicious vehicle at a closed business. Don was on another radio channel and didn't hear the robbery in the county broadcast. The young boys shot him as he returned to his vehicle. " Don.. I ask myself thousands of times. If I had been with you, would you still be alive? or would I be the one dead? Maybe both of us. or, we may have been at another location and would be sitting with a beer talking about our grandkids today. Yeah, I remember you Don McGuire. God Bless you and I wish I had known you better and still know you today.

Capt. (Retired) Paul "Steve" Watson
DeQueen Police Department (Retired)

March 10, 2015

Don I think of you often I started my tour of duty with the LRPD in1973 as a cadet I had the pleasure of working with you .The night your tour of duty ended I was working for the Pulaski County S.O. as a street deputy and remember that night like it was yesterday. I went to work for the AR State Police in Dec 1980 as a trooper.I never will forget you not only as a professional and very sharp police officer but as a great person and a true friend I will see you again buddy I've got a lot to tell you.

Chief Wayne Ballew
Beebe Police Dept

February 7, 2014

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 32nd 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 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.

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

May 15, 2012

Don, we started our Law Enforcement Careers together in 1975. We were Cadets right out of High School. We were on top of the world back then. Those two knuckleheads took you from us in 1980. Everytime I drive by Roosevelt and Arch, I think of you. I retired from LRPD three years ago. Three weeks after I retired, I went to work at the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office. Next month, I'll have three years with them under my belt. My son, Drew, is now a Police Officer patrolling the streets of Little Rock. Now I know what our parents went through worrying about us all the time. I love you and miss you brother. Tell God I said Hi.

Sgt. Marty Garrison
Pulaski County Sheriff's Office, Little Rock, Arkansas

Sgt. Marty Garrison
Little Rock Police Department friend

October 24, 2011

Rest in Peace, Detective McGuire. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

June 8, 2009

Det. McGuire your work on this Earth as we know it is done. You are in God's Hands now brother. May you rest in peace.

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee

December 4, 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

August 8, 2007

Don and I went through recruit school together. He was an honorable young man. Don was a involved with LRPD for several years before being hired as an officer. He always did his best to perform his job to the very best of his abilty. He was my first friend to be killed in the line of duty. It was a heart rending loss I will never forget. Every May 14th my wife and I take time out during the day to remember Don and his sacrifice. I can't believe it's been over 26 years since we all lost Don to senseless violence. We all lost a dedicated officer and good friend.

Lt. Phillip E White Ret.
Retired Fellow LRPD officer at the time

October 24, 2006

I had the honor of going through the academy with Don and becoming his friend.He strived and suceeded at being the best in a profession he truly loved.Anyone that knew Don admired and respected him for the job he carried out daily and what he stood for.I was listening to his radio traffic that trajic night at another Dept across the river.I could not believe what I was hearing when he transmitted to radio that he had been shot.We all lost that terrible night.The department,The citizens of little Rock,The Law Enforcement community as a whole,but most of all his family and loved ones.My friend did make the ultimate sacrifice that night.God Bless you don McGuire.You are fondly remembered.R.Carmichael

Rick Carmichael
retired

January 2, 2006

On May 14, 1980 - we lost a friend. I remember as if yesterday. You will never be forgotten.
That day on Roosevelt & Arch where your life was taken by 2 - who will never know the sorrow they brought upon us.
The war on drugs gave us a whole new meaning and reason to fight.

Lindy (Newman) Stivers

December 27, 2005

I was the on duty Shift Commander at the Pulaski County Sheriffs Department the night Noel was killed. I had met him on several occassions and found him to be a very likable person. He had a multitude of friends.The night he died an armed robbery had occurred in the county and we were responding to that. Our dispatcher failed to put out the description of the suspects involved and these were the young men Noel stopped and his death was the result. I apologize to his family and friends that we let him down and will always feel partially responsible because I failed to insure the information on the suspects was braodcast to other agencies. I always keep Noel in my prayers and hope to see him again some day when my "tour" is done. GOD bless his family and watch over them until he meets them again.

Sgt. Charles Carty
Benton Police Department