Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I never knew Officer Donovan however his family, which had already lost another son, became my family's neighbors within a year or so after the officer's passing. I came to know Officer Donovan's parents, one of his surviving brothers, and three of his four sisters. The Donovans were a lovely family and we thought extremely highly of them as did everyone who knew them. Tragedies of this sort should not befall anyone and I think not only of Officer Donovan but of his family members who I knew frequently.

Gene Dodd
Friend of family

August 8, 2023

Thank you for your service, both military and police, and please know that your sacrifice will always be remembered. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

July 9, 2020

Rest in peace I wish I could a got to know you and your 2nd born grandchild you have 6 great grandchildren they are all girls I would have loved to have a life with you you'd be very proud of mom she's done a good job he be very proud of Kristina and you'd be very proud of me I love you miss you very much

Love your granddaughter Robyn Burke

Roby
granddaughter

October 29, 2019

Rest in peace Officer Donovan.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 9, 2019

Officer Donovan, Sir,
Though we have never met, our families will forever share a bond in that Routine turned to Tragedy on the fateful day of July 9, 1964.
Maine State Trooper Charles C. Black, my Dad, was shot and killed responding to a bank robbery fifty four years ago tomorrow. Three weeks before I was born, my life was struck by tragedy that would take me a half century to come to grips with, on the same day that your family was answering unexpected knocks on the door by Officers holding back tears as they shared the news of the day’stragic events.
Thinking of you and your family today and every day.
Your sacrifice will never be forgotten,
If I make it back to D.C., your gravesite at Arlington will be a must see stop for me, my promise.
You are never forgotten.

Charles C. Black II
Son of Maine State Trooper Charles C. Black EOW 7/9/64

July 8, 2018

Marty, you inspired me yesterday, today and tomorrow ! I've thought of you often and continue to do so. I followed in your footsteps and became an MPDC Officer in 1971. Your were my cousin who then became my brother officer ! Many who knew you, on the job, described your high quality as both a person and police officer. It's a legacy worthy of respect. You were a true example to your family, your department and the community you faithfully served ! Every July 9th your memory and sacrifice are honored ! Your now adult daughter is truly a wonderful person of who is a source of great love and pride ! Your family continues to carry your memory in our collective hearts ! I can think of no better testament to you, Officer Donovan !
10-7 and God's Speed, Marty !

Sgt. Kevin M McCarthy (ret.)
MPDC Sgt. & Marty Donovan's cousin

January 28, 2017

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

July 15, 2015

The members of the Coastal Carolina Shields will dedicate it's monthly meeting on July 1, 2014 to the memory of PO Martin Donovan. May his dedication to service never be forgotten.

Dennis Cangelosi, President
Coastal Carolina Shields
www.coastalcarolinashields.com

Dennis Cangelosi
President, Coastal Carolina Shields

June 30, 2014

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 49th anniversary year 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 Pittsburg (CA) Officer Larry Lasater

January 3, 2013

Thank you for your service and for helping to make America a safer place.

Deputy Brian Jones
Boulder County Sheriff's Office, CO

December 11, 2012

Marty, you are well thought of often !! As your cousin and fellow Officer, I realize the sacrifice you made was for our community. When visiting my parents, at Arlington National Cemetary, I also visit your resting place.

Rest well, my fellow brother Officer, and God's speed ! You are in my prayers.

Kevin McCarthy MPDC 1971 to 1988

Sgt. Kevin M. McCarthy
Metropolitan Police: Washington, DC

April 4, 2012

Rest in Peace, Officer Donovan. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 5, 2012

Your daughter has grown up and become a wonderful mother and now is a grandmother. You would be so proud of her and the family she has nurtured and raised! I only wish you were here today ... as summer approaches and along with it the anniversary month of your passing, we will indeed, as we always do, quietly pause and think about dear Marty, our brother who lost his life late one night protecting the people of Washington, D.C.

Mary Donovan Lawson
sister to Officer Martin Donovan

March 11, 2011

Thank you for your bravery, dedication, and sacrifice. Today is the 43rd anniversary of your tragic death. You will NEVER be forgotten and will FOREVER be a hero!

SGT, Ret.
AR

July 9, 2007

"My Brother"

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He was idealistic and believed he could make a difference.
He was immensely proud of the uniform and the badge and what they represent.
He felt privileged to be of service to his department, his community and to his country.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He was friendly, courteous, and polite, yet firm.
He laughed and joked, but was serious when necessary.
He was competent, trained, and professional.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He had a strong sense of right and wrong and became
frustrated when true justice became sidetracked.
He felt the sharp criticism that goes with the job, but he
never wavered.
He stood by and for his fellow officers.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He longed for his family during the long hours.
He worried about them during his shifts and the lonely
weekends, holidays and midnights when they were apart.
He felt guilty about the lost time, but knew his calling
and prayed they would understand.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He was a good son, a loving husband, and a devoted father.
He was dedicated to the profession and cared about the
people he served.
He wanted to do the best job that he could and strived to
be the best he could be.
He was a good citizen and a good neighbor.

He was a cop.

Yes, I did know him.
He was a cop, he was my Brother.

Rest easy Brother Donovan, we have the watch...



I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.
Isaiah 6:8

You answered the call and made the ultimate sacrifice. Rest easy in God's kingdom and watch over us as we continue the battle here on earth!!!

Officer
MPDC

April 8, 2007

Serving your country and your city and giving your life in this service makes you a warrior. Thank you.

Anonymous

October 18, 2006

Officer Donovan,
On today, the 42nd anniversary of your murder, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your community, but for our Country as well when you served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous

July 9, 2006

I was happy to read about the Officer Down Memorial in the Wash. Post today. Marty Donovan was my big brother. I looked up to him and loved him very much. There were eight of us, four boys and four girls; Marty was the oldest boy. His death was devastating. Time heals but never completely. Marty, I will never forget your smile, gentleness and courage. I'm proud of you. Sherry

June 30, 2005

Martin, as you now know, Jesus Loves You, so do we!
John 3:16

MPDC Academy Class 71-14
First District 1971-1973

Ret Officer RB WAde
Richmond, VA Police

September 22, 2004

My father grew up with Officer Donovan and spoke highly of his character. Such a shame that your life was taken so early. Rest in peace brother, you are not forgotten.....

Officer
Richmond (VA) Police Department

September 5, 2004

In memory of Officer Donovan, you are not forgotten.....

Officer
Richmond Police Department (VA)

March 16, 2004