Tulsa Police Department, Oklahoma
End of Watch Monday, December 15, 1980
Add to My HeroesDon L. Byerley
Sergeant Don Byerley succumbed to injuries sustained two months earlier when his police car was rear-ended by a drunk driver on I-244 while he and his partner conducted a traffic stop.
The 34-year-old subject was convicted of first degree manslaughter and sentenced to six years.
Sergeant Byerley had served with the Tulsa Police Department for 11 years.
Bio
- Age 34
- Tour 11 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Vehicular assault
- Incident Date Sunday, October 12, 1980
- Weapon Automobile; Alcohol involved
- Offender Sentenced to 6 years
Most Recent Reflection
View all 15 ReflectionsDon and I both attended Mountain Grove High School, Mountain Grove, Missouri. He was a year older than I(almost to the day) but for some reason he befriended me. I don't remember when we started running around together but maybe sometime late 1963 early 1964. He had a car and I didn't. He was living with his grandmother and I was living with my grandparents. We spent time together as teenagers and did things that teenagers do. I spent several nights at his grandmother's sleeping in a real feather bed and eating breakfast that his grandmother prepared. I don't remember her name. I didn't know Don as an adult but he obviously was very successful as a police officer and as a husband and father.
On this 44th anniversary of his death it is an honor to say I knew this man.
Rest in Peace Friend.
Ronald S Ramsey
Oakland, Tennessee
December 16, 2024
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