Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

On behalf of Point 27, we would like to offer condolences for Master Police Officer Donald Gotthardt, Jr. Please know we are eternally grateful for Donald’s service and his ultimate sacrifice.

To honor Master Police Officer Donald Gotthardt, Jr., Point 27 sent Thin Blue Line Dog Tag Necklaces, engraved with “Blessed are the Peacemakers for they will be called children of God” Matthew 5:9, to the Fairfax County Police Department in Fairfax, Virginia for Donald’s partner and fellow officers. Point 27 also sent Folded Flag Necklaces engraved with “Greater Love has no one than this; than to lay down one’s life for one’s friend” John 15:13 for Master Police Officer Donald Gotthardt, Jr’s family.

Point 27 is a Non-Profit organization with a mission to strengthen and encourage members of the Armed Forces, First Responders, and their families, with God’s Word inscribed on Shields of Strength jewelry.

We will never forget and we are forever grateful for Donald.

Respectfully,

Colonel David Dodd,
United States Army Retired
Executive Director-Point 27

Linda Rhodes
Surviving Wife of Detective Jerry M. Rhodes, Dallas Police Department Retired
Point 27 National Outreach Coordinator
Law Enforcement Liaison
[email protected]
972-978-5325

Linda Rhodes

January 22, 2026

To my friend Don. I first met you at station -7 and we hit it off and became friends. A couple years went by and you went to Motors. Not to long after I was right behind you and together for years. Even after you left we kept in touch. Miss you my friend.

Retired
Fairfax County Police

January 16, 2026

Thank you for your sacrifice for our nation. May you be with the Lord and may he be with your family.

Det. Russ Cain (Retired)


Pittsburgh PD

January 16, 2026

Dear Chief of Police Kevin Davis:

I hope this reflection finds you well, though I understand it is an incredibly tough time for you, and everyone connected to your department. I am writing to extend my heartfelt sympathy and deepest condolences for the loss of Master Police Officer Donald Richard Gotthardt, Jr., a brave and dedicated lawman. Taken from us as a result of cancer that he developed following his response to the Pentagon on the morning of September 11, 2001, and during his subsequent assignment to the search and recovery efforts after the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks.

The news of Master Police Officer Donald Richard Gotthardt, Jr.’s death has deeply saddened me. The sacrifice that he made while protecting and serving your community is a testament to the selfless and courageous nature of law enforcement officers like him. We can never truly understand the risks and challenges faced by those in law enforcement, and we are forever indebted to them for their unwavering commitment to keeping us safe.

Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with Master Police Officer Donald Richard Gotthardt, Jr.’s family and colleagues during this immensely challenging time. Their loss is immeasurable, and we can only hope that the outpouring of support from the community can offer some comfort in these trying times.

In times like these, we must remember the positive impact Master Police Officer Donald Richard Gotthardt, Jr. had on countless lives throughout his life and career. The memories of his dedication, kindness, and professionalism will remain etched in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.

To you, Chief Davis, and the entire Fairfax County Police Department, I want to express my gratitude for the vital work you do each day, often in the face of danger and adversity. The sacrifice of your fallen colleague serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that come with your line of duty. Despite the risks, you continue to serve with integrity and unwavering commitment, and for that, we are immensely thankful.

Having served 45+ years as a Law Enforcement Professional, I stand with you during this time of mourning. Please do not hesitate to reach out if there is anything I can do to support your fallen hero’s family, you, and your department during this difficult period.

May the memories of Master Police Officer Donald Richard Gotthardt, Jr. be a source of strength and may his legacy inspire others to follow in his footsteps of honor and service. We will forever be indebted to the sacrifice he made to keep us safe.

With deepest sympathy,

Chief of Police (retired) Don P. Jensen Sr.

January 13, 2026

Thank you for your service Officer Donald Richard Gotthardt !!!!!

Sergeant David Dufault (Ret)
Hartford Police Dept

January 12, 2026

RIP Brother..... My thoughts are with your family, friends, and the members of your agency during this most difficult and tragic time

LT. Joseph Ward, Ret
Jackson, NJ PD

January 12, 2026

The true measure of a person
is not found in the
might of their arm,
their wealth
or power -
it is found in the strength
of their character.

There is no greater testimony to
ones character, than ones
willingness to sacrifice all,
in the noble quest of
providing protection to all
whom they serve.

Author Unknown

Javier Cornejo
Police Officer, Retired
City of Milwaukee Police Department
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

January 12, 2026

MY PRAYERS AND MOST SINCERE CONDOLENCES ARE WITH MASTER OFFICER GOTTHARDT AND HIS LOVED ONEDS. REST IN PEACE BROTHER. GODSPEED.

INV. RICH WYNN, RET.
WILL COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPT., ILL.

January 12, 2026

Thank you for your service, brother. RIP.

Lieutenant Brian J. Wills II
Oswego County Sheriff's Office
New York

January 12, 2026

Rest In Peace Brother.

Det. Andreoli
NYPD-Retired

January 12, 2026

To Don’s family, I am so sorry for your loss. I was watching a story on tv when I decided to go on ODMP.ORG where I discovered the passing of Don. He was such a great guy. I had the pleasure of meeting him while he was in PIO. He will be remembered always.

Cub Rhonda Gary
Fairfax County Police Civilian (RETIRED)

January 11, 2026

RIP Hero. May you forever spend your eternal life with our dear Lord in heaven. My thoughts and prayers are with all your loved ones. Our country is now a little less safe without you. Thank you for your service.

HEROES NEVER DIE....

Sergeant Mitchell G. Cheselka (Retired)
Orange County Sheriff, California
Polk County Sheriff, Oregon

January 11, 2026

May your family, friends, colleagues, and community find the strength and resolve to carry on in your physical absence and continue to spread the goodness to which you were so selflessly committed. You were among the best humanity has to offer. Your dedication to service and your ultimate sacrifice shall not be forgotten. God Bless You. Your Family, & Friends

James P. Waggle, Jr.
US Army Veteran (SFC)
Civilian

January 11, 2026

My family and I would like to extend our sincere condolences to the family, friends, and fellow coworkers of Master Police Officer Donald Richard Gotthardt, Jr. during this difficult time. May they find comfort and support from those around them. May happy moments from the past bring forth precious memories to cherish for a lifetime. May God help heal their aching hearts. Thank you for your service and may you rest in peace Master Police Officer Donald Richard Gotthardt, Jr.

Gail M Pabst
Aunt of fallen Detroit Police Officer Jennifer T Fettig eow 02/16/04

January 11, 2026

RIP Officer Gotthardt. Thank you for your service to the citizens of Fairfax County and Arlington County

Lieutenant Darren Weisse
Tufts University Police
Boston, Ma. 02120

January 11, 2026

Hero never forgotten. Prayers to family blood and blue.

BLR
Retired Texas dispatcher

January 11, 2026

Master Officer Gotthardt, a police officer should be remembered not by how he died but by how he lived! A brave man has left to secure a safe path for the rest of us to follow. Thank you for your 34-year commitment to law enforcement, your family, and the Fairfax County Police Department. Our country is a little less safe without you. Rest in Peace, Brother!

Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall
Georges Mills, NH

January 11, 2026

Proud to have known this wonderful man. He was an inspiration. Wish I knew him sooner.

Guy Wood
friend

January 10, 2026

God rest his soul.

Sgt. Robert A. Henne
Jersey City PD/Retired

January 10, 2026

Thank you Master Police Officer Gotthardt for your dedicated and selfless service to the people of and visitors to Fairfax Co, VA. Your life mattered! Sending prayers of sympathy and condolences to your family, your friends and your coworkers. May you rest in peace! Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.

Captain (Retired) Mike Culler
Winston-Salem, NC Police Department

January 10, 2026

Our thoughts and prayersare with the immediate family of Master Police Officer Donald Richard Gotthardt, Jr. and the extended law enforcement family of the Fairfax County Police Department, Virginia.


End of Watch Wednesday, January 7, 2025



Rest in Peace brother and watch over us. We will protect and serve from here on in your honor.

I fight not for glory or fame, for they are momentary. I fight for those who can't. I fight for Justice. I fight for the oppressed and the down trodden. And if I should lose my life for these just causes, then I have no regrets, For I serve to protect the innocent. It matters not where or when, for evil knows no boundaries. Be it fire, flood, or the threat of tyranny, I will not flee. Justice is my weapon. Faith is my shield. Hope is my armor. Cry not at my passing, for it was my Honor to fight for you. Shed not tears of sorrow, but tears of joy, for now, I stand with God.

By Jon F. Hooper

"Greater love hath no man than this; that a man lay down his life for his friends."

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer (Retired)
Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation

January 10, 2026

Rest in Peace Master Police Officer Gotthardt. Thank you for your service. My thoughts and prayers are with the Gotthardt Family and thew Fairfax County Police Department.

Cpl. Gary Hughes (Retired)
Passaic County Sheriff's Office New Jersey

January 10, 2026

My friend, you will never be forgotten. I miss you every day. Rest in Peace OG. - Minion

MPO Meg Hawkins, FCPD

January 9, 2026

Thank you for your service.

Dmytro Goloborodko

January 9, 2026

Psalm 15
God bless.
Rest in peace brother.

Correctional Officer
Hennepin County (Minneapolis)- Adult Corrections Facility

January 9, 2026