Wildlife Officer Donald Dante Thornbury

Wildlife Officer Donald Dante Thornbury

Miccosukee Tribal Police Department, Tribal Police

End of Watch Monday, October 28, 1991

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Donald Dante Thornbury

Wildlife Officer Donald Thornbury drowned following an airboat accident while he was patrolling the Everglades in Broward County. His body was found two days later floating in a canal on the south side of Alligator Alley near the 46-mile marker, approximately 21 miles west of the Fort Lauderdale toll booth.

The Miccosukee Tribal Police Department had only ten officers at the time of Wildlife Officer Thornbury's death. They had recently started a wildlife law enforcement program within the agency.

Wildlife Officer Thornbury had served with the Miccosukee Tribal Police Department for 10 months. He had previously served as an auxiliary police officer with the Markleville, Indiana, Police Department for three years and with the Edgewood, Indiana, Police Department as an officer for four years. Wildlife Officer Thornbury was survived by his parents and brother.

Bio

  • Age 26
  • Tour 8 years
  • Badge 103

Incident Details

  • Cause Drowned
  • Location Florida
  • Incident Date Saturday, October 26, 1991

marine patrol

Most Recent Reflection

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I had the privilege to call Donte my friend. I often think of him and have pain to know a lot of us made the thin blue finish line and you did not. Bless you & your family.

Lieutenant James “Dave” Cantrell
Area Drug Task Force

June 6, 2023

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