Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Dear Gary… I still cry when I hear your name. Such a loss.
I have become close to Bryan and we share some holidays together. He reminds me of you in certain ways. Especially the creases on the forehead!
Life is not fair as you and Craig know.
Love you.. until we meet again.

Ellen Cook
Sister

October 18, 2022

Gary, today is the 56th anniversary of your ultimate sacrifice "....thou hast no greater love for another that you laid down your life." You are loved, remembered and missed. Please continue to watch over and protect your nephew (my son) who has followed in your footsteps along with all Police Offers who are putting their lives on the line everyday. Until I see you again Gary, rest in peace. Love, your sister J. McDonald-Gomez

Janet McDonald-Gomez
Sister

October 6, 2021

Brother Gary, I think about you often. I tell your son, Bryan (that you never got to meet due to your death) that you were a great brother and how much you are missed. I pray that you will guide my son, Nathon who is up in heaven with you, and that you watch over my son, Dustin who has followed in your footsteps and is now a police officer. Rest in peace Gary. Your loving sister,

Janet McDonald Gomez

August 4, 2021

Dad,

When I think of a superhero, you are all that comes to mind. You are my hero.

Please forgive me. I had a rough start. Without your guidance I made horrible decisions.

You are a fighter. So am I. Your blood runs through my veins. I have fought and turned things around to make you proud, to bring honor to who you are, to what you stand for, and the sacrifice you made.

Please, I never got to know my superhero Dad. May I please call on any of his friends and colleagues to stand in his place with encouragement, guidance, and direction I never got? I am a husband and a father and now, 55 years later, I need it more than ever. If you knew him, or if you were "there," or have words or insight that will help me honor my Father and the sacrifice he made, please call or text me and talk to me about my Dad: (760)807-6771.

I sincerely thank all the heroes that have stepped up in my Father's place and everyone who has posted a tribute to my Father on this Reflections page.

I love you, Dad. I will meet you someday. Until then, I am still in the fight.

Love, your son,

Bryan Gary McDonald

Bryan Gary McDonald
Son

April 6, 2020

I just happened onto this when I thought about looking Gary up on the Internet. Gary was one of our new probationers who worked with several 2-man cars depending who was off. I had only been on for two years and Gary and I quickly became fast friends. All the guys loved him and I knew we was going to be an outstanding cop. All the guys loved him. He worried about not making probation, as he was married with a pregnant wife, Linda-Rae, whom I only met once. I laughed and guaranteed Gary he'd make probation with flying colors - I was wrong.
Gary was working afternoons, coming on at 1500. I was working mid-watch, on at 1800. My partner Joe Petticrew and we had just gassed up when the call came out, "Officer Needs Help," on Menlo north of Santa Barbara only a couple blocks from our station. Gary and Feder, a guy from his class were riding with Rischer and Jose Alcantara, both great cops. Both cars had answered an alarm at a store on the corner, one in front and one by the back. They didn't realize that both Gary and Feder had deployed at the back delivery area. I think Gary yelled that they had two perps and Alcantara sprinted about 100 feet toward the back. Just at he got to the corner the shots started - I think five - one going through Jose's left hand and hitting his baton and outer hip. Joe and I were first on the scene with Rischer directing us to the rear. We bailed out to see Jose wounded and he yelled us to go west after a black perp with a brown jacket and one handcuff. As I ran past I saw Feder and another black perp lying there in the dark. I didn't see the figure in blue lying nearby. A few minutes later the area was full of black and whites and guys on foot and someone said McDonald was hit. Joe and I ran back to the scene to find John Christensen, Joe Van Fleet and Bob Gosnell with Gary, Rischer and Jose. Chris was on his knees holding Gary's hand. Gary was pleading that we not tell his wife, as she was pregnant; he said it hurt and Chris told him to hang in, as an ambulance was on its way. Gary asked if he got "him," and we all assured him that he got the son-of-a-bitch good and that he was dead. Gary nodded a little. We couldn't see any wound except blood from Gary's leg, but Gosnell shined a light to see a small hole in his shirt near a button on Gary's abdomen. No blood was visible. Gary began to fade, but Chris squeezed his hand and he raised his head a little. The ambulance finally came and raced Gary and Jose to Central Receiving. The Dets. came and Joe and returned to the station to do our reports. We soon heard communications report that the suspect wanted for attempted murder was now wanted for murder of a policer. I know that after 55 years we all still think about Gary almost every day. I'll see you soon enough, buddy. Gary Paul Johnston 1*

Gary Paul Johnston
Former LAPD.

March 29, 2020

WE HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN YOU SIR, GOD BLESS

J.JAYNES
Arizona State Troopers

November 5, 2017

Rest In Peace Brother. We honor your on the 52nd anniversary of your E.O.W. You are not forgotten

Officer Mike Robinson, (Ret)
City of Upland, CA

October 6, 2017

Never forgotten. Always honored.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg Officer Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05

October 6, 2017

Rest in peace Officer McDonald. Your desire was appreciated.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 26, 2016

Gary was an LAPD academy classmate. Although not together, we both were working University Division night watch on that tragic night. I have never forgotten Gary. I remember his quiet but friendly demeanor and I still see his empty locker in my mind. May he rest in peace.

Peter J. Sanchez, serial #12176
5/3/16

Sgt Peter J. Sanchez
LAPD

May 4, 2016

This was my uncle Gary who passed 4 months before I was born. I had always heard the stories of how he was a true hero. It is a honor to see how he is still remembered and honored by his brothers and sisters in the force.

C. McDonald
Niece

April 14, 2016

Thank-you for your service Policeman McDonald. 50 years later and your heroic actions and dedicated service is still remembered and appreciated by me and always will be. May your soul rest in peace, go and walk heaven's beat with the angels. Once a part of the LAPD family, always a part of the LAPD family, I will never forget you.

Security Officer Cole Phelps
LAPD Supporter

October 6, 2015

RIP Officer McDonald You were killed the year I was born. Your story was posted on "Old School LAPD Facebook" page today. Though shot three times, you were still in the fight and thankfully took out your killer. You would have gone far on the LAPD. I'm sorry your career and life were cut way too short.

Sergeant
A Massachusetts police department

October 6, 2014

God bless you for your sacrifice and your brave service, may God continue to bless your family. Your sacrifice occurred on the day I was born, as I became a young adult, age 19, I too swore the oath and served through 2012, just knowing of your sacrifice, know too others continue to follow in your heroic footsteps!

I thank you Police officer McDonald, continue to rest in peace brother!

NJD
Ret.PPD and State Inv, #!5, #108, #2934 and #266

September 1, 2014

Rest in Peace, Policeman McDonald. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

January 14, 2012

God Bless You on this sad anniversary day.

Arthur R. Spafford Jr
NCIS Special Agent (Retired)

October 6, 2010

Policeman McDonald - Chances are, by the time I arrived at LAPD, I worked alongside men who knew you. Your loss was not in vein. Lessons in survival spring forth from tragedies like yours. Thank you for your service to the people of Los Angeles. May God grant you eternal rest and may His perpetual light shine upon you.

Chief K. Moreland (Ret. Sgt.)
Palmer Lake, CO PD (Ret. LAPD)

April 6, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 44th anniversary 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous

October 6, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 44th anniversary 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous

October 6, 2009

You are not forgotten! Thank you for your service to the Citizens of Los Angeles. Rest in Peace Ofcr. McDonald.

Michael Bondi
Former LAPD

January 17, 2009

Dearest Brother Gary, I miss you everyday. It has been over 40 years, but you are in my thoughts so often. I am trying to take care of our mother and need some spiritual help. I know you are in heaven. Life has been tough for me but with your help I will see you soon. Love you always, Ellen

Anonymous

July 28, 2008

Although we never met, I have the upmost respect for you. You gave the ultimate sacrifice protecting the citizens of this country. I hope I never have to face the horror you did on that day. Only if I do, I wish I would have enough strength and courage to act as you did. You are a true hero. Rest in Peace

Officer Dustin Gomez
Nephew / PPD

April 25, 2008

today on the anniversasry of your death we wish to remember you and thank you, young Sir for your service.

Pat Van Den Berghe
Neighbors for a Better Manfhaester, NH

October 6, 2007

Such a young man.May you Rest in Peace.

October 6, 2006

Rest easy in God's care fro eternity, hero. You will never be forgotten!

Wisconsin L.E.O.

September 17, 2006