Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Warden Donald G. Gammons

Tennessee Department of Correction, Tennessee

End of Watch Monday, July 2, 1984

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Warden Donald G. Gammons

Warden Gammons,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Tennessee. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy. There is no tougher job in Law Enforcement than that of a Corrections Officer.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

July 3, 2024

Warden Gammons,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Tennessee. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy. There is no tougher job in Law Enforcement than that of a Corrections Officer.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

July 2, 2024

Thank you for your service and always know that your sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten. Rest in peace.

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

July 2, 2020

Rest in peace Warden Gammons.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 10, 2019

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 4, 2015

Not a day goes by that I do not think of you and how much love I still have in my heart for you. You were the sunshine of my life. You left me way too soon. You would be so proud of your children and your beautiful grandchildren. Your children missed out so much by not having you here to be with. Two of your grandsons look just like you. I will always love you and carry our good memories in my heart and pass on to our grandchildren everything about their granddad. I love you and miss you with all my heart.

Melinda Gammons Sullivan
Wife

April 14, 2012

Warden Gammons you are remembered by the members of the Boston Police Department for your dedication to duty. RIP

Det. Michael Kane
Boston Police Dept.

January 13, 2012

You are missed and remembered. I was planning on us fishing together when I retired from the United States Air Force. I could always count on you to take time for us to go fishing when I came home on leave. You have some lovely grandchildren and now I am a Grandpa too. Barbie named her son after me, Dean Hunter.

Ronald D. Gammons
Twin Brother

August 3, 2011

"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

January 30, 2008

You may have left Melinda, Douglas and Jennifer way too soon but you live on by the memories and the look in your son's and grandson's eyes. Unfortunatly, Landon and I will never have the chance to meet you, but we feel like we already have from all the stories and pictures. Everyone says that Douglas is just like you inside and out, I'm so sorry you missed out on your children's lives. They are both loving, caring, hardworking adults and not a day goes by that they don't think of you. We love you, we miss you, may you rest in peace forever.

Katy Gammons
Daughter-in-law

September 20, 2007

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND MAY YOU REST IN PEACE. A HERO FOR SURE. YOU SERVED WELL.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

July 2, 2004

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