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Incident
Deputy Wass was killed in a motorcycle accident while en route to the department headquarters on Texas 36 South. A speeding vehicle entered his lane and struck his motorcycle head-on.
Six years earlier, in December 2000, Deputy Wass arrested the murderer of Deputy Barrett Hill of the Harris County Sheriff's Office.
Deputy Wass had served with the Washington County Sheriff's Office for 10 years and was a Peace Officer of the Year.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, child, parents, and brother.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Wass gave the Washington County Sheriff's Office 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Brenham community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Wass.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Washington County Sheriff's Office has lost 3 officers; 1 of them lost to accidents.
Donald is one of 657 officers lost to accidents in TX, 27.1% of the 2,422 remembered there.
Donald is one of 8,276 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Donald is one of 10,096 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2006, 7 officers in TX were lost to accidents, the 25th heaviest of 136 years on record. The heaviest was 1994, with 14.
In 2006, 68 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 54th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 2006, 80 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 57th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Donald was 35. Of the 626 lost to accidents in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 46; the middle age was 36. Donald had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Donald was 35. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. Donald had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Donald was 35. Of the 9,452 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Donald had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 8.1% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 11.7%. Sundays: 12.6%.
April holds 7% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 14%.
April holds 7% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Sundays: 14%.
How
Accident deaths account for 33.3% of all 3 deaths at Washington County Sheriff's Office, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 27.1% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Washington County Sheriff's Office has 3 officers remembered here, Donald among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 43-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Washington County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.