In Memory of Police Officer Andrew Robert MacDonald
Texas has been hit harder in the number of lost law enforcement officers to the COVID19 pandemic than any other state. On Wednesday, October 13, 2021, the Grand Prairie Police Department authorities announced that their agency had lost an officer to the virus. Police Officer Andrew Robert MacDonald died due to complications of coronavirus. Officer MacDonald wore badge number P264 and was 46 years old.
Officer MacDonald served his community as a law enforcement officer with the Grand Prairie Police Department for more than 22 years.
Grand Prairie Police Department, Texas
The Grand Prairie Police Department is a stand-out agency in many areas. The GDPD has a sharp Honor Guard program. These men volunteer for the extra task of the Honor Guard. They volunteer to attend the funerals of the fallen and help their families during their difficult times.
The agency is well supported by its community. When many departments faced cut budgets and dwindling staff numbers, the citizens of Grand Prairie voted to provide additional funding for their department through a local tax. The community’s incentive is its desire to have the department hire additional officers and begin new programs to help the area.
The agency clearly addressed the George Floyd Incident and wanted to create a stark contrast between their agency and any other individual officer who may cross the line. To ensure that their department never faces such a tragedy, they have taken responsibility for their new program seriously, the Social and Racial Justice Resolution Initiative.
The department works in community services, crisis support, field operations, investigations, and other specialty groups such as their SWAT Team.
Remembrances
Police Officer Andrew Robert MacDonald leaves behind his wife, father, and three brothers. Many residents filled the streets to show gratitude for his service as officers escorted MacDonald to his final resting place. In addition, officers in many departments volunteer to belong to the department’s Honor Guard. These officers are available to the MacDonald family and can help the family make appropriate arrangements and hold a memorial service for all.
Grand Prairie Police Department shared the sad news of the loss with city residents. “It is with heavy hearts that we notify you of a fallen GPPD Officer. Officer Andy MacDonald died this morning due to complications from COVID-19. Andy faithfully served our Grand Prairie community since 1999. We will #NeverForget.”
The department followed up with a direct request from Officer MacDonald and the MacDonald family. “In lieu of flowers, the family of fallen Grand Prairie Police Officer Andy MacDonald has graciously requested donations to support @gp_prairiepaws. Andy had a compassionate heart for animals and owned several rescues as pets.”
Chief Daniel Scesney shared some details of the fallen officer. “The men and women of the Grand Prairie Police Department are hurting and still trying to process how we lost our brother so quickly. But, I have no doubt Andy is patrolling the streets of heaven as we speak.”
Local Bedford, Texas, Police Department shared condolences for the fallen officer’s family. “The BPD family sends our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Grand Prairie Police Officer Andy MacDonald and Denton Police Department Detective Rodney Mooneyham, both who passed away due to complications from COVID-19. May their life and service be remembered.”
