Palisades Interstate Park Police Department - New York Section, New York
End of Watch Thursday, August 28, 1980
Add to My HeroesFrank J. Donato, Jr.
Police Officer Frank Donato suffered a fatal heart attack shortly after being involved in a skirmish with a large group of people in the parking lot of the Bear Mountain Inn, in Bear Mountain State Park.
He and other officers had gone to the scene to investigate reports of a disturbance in the parking lot of the inn's disco. Some of the juveniles at the scene became combative and a scuffle ensued.
Officer Donato returned to the station where he collapsed several minutes later. An officer immediately began administering oxygen as an ambulance responded to the scene. Officer Donato was transported to a local hospital where he died a short time later.
Officer Donato had served in law enforcement for 24 years. He is survived by his wife and three children.
Bio
- Age 54
- Tour 24 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Heart attack
Most Recent Reflection
View all 15 ReflectionsOfficer Donato,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice as a Law Enforcement Officer. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
August 28, 2020
Recent LODD Deaths

Deputy Sheriff Antonio Aleman
Doña Ana County Sheriff's Office, NM
EOW: July 8, 2025

Officer Miguel Cano
California Highway Patrol, CA
EOW: July 2, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Devin Mason
Darlington County Sheriff's Office, SC
EOW: July 1, 2025

Detention Officer Francisco Paul Flattes
Cherokee County Sheriff's Office, NC
EOW: June 30, 2025

Police Officer Kelvin Patrick
Detroit Police Department, MI
EOW: February 6, 2025

Supervisory Special Agent Dennis M. Wagner, Jr.
United States Department of Justice - Federal Bureau of Investigation, US
EOW: March 5, 2025

Police Officer Kendall Isaiah Corder
Milwaukee Police Department, WI
EOW: June 29, 2025

Undersheriff Brandon Gaede
Phillips County Sheriff's Office, KS
EOW: June 27, 2025

Sergeant Shiou Deng
Los Angeles Police Department, CA
EOW: June 23, 2025