Officer Down Memorial Page

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

Rest in peace sir. I was born the day you passed. Thank you for protecting and serving.

June 22, 2004