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Incident
Sergeant Donald Gregory was accidentally shot and killed when a shotgun being held by another officer accidentally discharged when it was knocked against a wall. He and the other officer had responded to a home to investigate a disturbance and aggravated assault involving a firearm. One of the first responding officers located the suspect attempting to assemble a firearm in the basement of the home. As the officer ordered the man to turn around, the officer's shotgun slammed into the wall, causing it to discharge just as Sergeant Gregory came down the stairs to assist. The blast struck Sergeant Gregory in the head, killing him. The suspect in the original case the officers were investigating was taken into custody on the original aggravated assault charge. Sergeant Gregory had served with the Missoula Police Department for eight years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, daughter, father, and eight siblings.
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.
Sergeant Gregory gave the Missoula Police Department 8 years.
Thank you for your service to the Missoula community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Gregory.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Missoula Police Department has lost 4 officers; 1 of them lost to accidents.
Donald is one of 34 officers lost to accidents in MT, 23.9% of the 142 remembered there.
Donald is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Donald is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.8% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1976, 2 officers in MT were lost to accidents, more than in any other year.
In 1976, 59 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 76th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1976, 77 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 62nd heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Donald was 31. Of the 30 lost to accidents in MT whose age is recorded, half were between 36 and 53.8; the middle age was 47. Donald had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 8.5 years.
Donald was 31. 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 8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Donald was 31. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Donald had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
January holds 14.7% of these deaths in MT; December holds the most, 17.6%. Tuesdays: 17.6%.
January holds 7.7% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Tuesdays: 14.1%.
January holds 8.1% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Tuesdays: 14%.
How
Accident deaths account for 25% of all 4 deaths at Missoula Police Department, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 23.9% of all 142 deaths in MT, 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 29.8% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Missoula Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, Donald among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 48-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Missoula Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
