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Incident
Deputy Sheriff John Donaldson was killed in a vehicle crash on Route 72, about one mile west of Route 2, at approximately 2:10 a.m.
He was nearing the end of his shift when another vehicle crossed the center line of Route 72 and struck his patrol car head-on.
Deputy Donaldson had served with the Ogle County Sheriff's Office for two years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, seven children, mother, and sister.
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 Donaldson gave the Ogle County Sheriff's Office 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Oregon community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Donaldson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
John is the only officer of Ogle County Sheriff's Office remembered here.
John is one of 354 officers lost to accidents in IL, 26.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
John is one of 8,276 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John 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 1956, 1 officer in IL was lost to accidents, the 88th heaviest of 115 years on record. The heaviest was 1927, with 11.
In 1956, 60 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 73rd heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1956, 74 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 68th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
John was 48. Of the 344 lost to accidents in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 45.3; the middle age was 37. John had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 48. 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. John had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 48. Of the 9,452 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. John had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 10.5% of these deaths in IL; October holds the most, 11.3%. Fridays: 13%.
September holds 9.2% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 15.1%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Fridays: 15%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Ogle County Sheriff's Office.
Accident deaths account for 26.9% of all 1,318 deaths in IL, 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.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 51-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
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