Roll of Honor
Incident
Policeman Gary McDonald was shot and killed by a robbery suspect whom he and his partner cornered in the rear of a market after responding to a silent alarm. As he was being handcuffed, the suspect gained control of Policeman McDonald's partner's handgun and shot him three times. While he was collapsing, he pulled his pistol and killed the suspect. Policeman McDonald had served with the Los Angeles Police Department for 11 months. He was survived by his expectant wife, who gave birth to their son eight days later. In 1966, the Los Angeles Police Department awarded Policeman McDonald the Medal of Valor for his bravery on October 6, 1965.
Survivors
He was survived by his expectant wife, who gave birth to their son eight days later.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-CA-5A4BFB11- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Policeman McDonald served with the Los Angeles Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Los Angeles community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Policeman McDonald.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Policeman Gary Kirt McDonald is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In CA, 974 of 1,837 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 53% of this state's fallen. That is 1.2 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At Los Angeles Police Department, 115 of 240 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 47.9% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Gary Kirt McDonald's cause is highlighted.
How Gary Kirt McDonald Compares
Offender Outcome
Shot and killed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Gary Kirt McDonald is highlighted in Oct.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Gary Kirt McDonald was killed by officer's handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
239 officers from Los Angeles Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
