In Memory of Sergeant Jason Donaldson
Texas officials have deeply felt the tragedy in the number of losses in their state due to the coronavirus. The US has lost hundreds of law enforcement officers to the pandemic. In Texas, with its more than 105 corrections facilities, the virus has hit Texas first responders harder than any other state. Texas officials came forward, again, to announce such a loss. On Sunday, August 29, 2021, Sergeant Jason Donaldson, age 45, died due to complications from contracting COVID19 while on duty.
The federal government has mandated that all officers killed by the coronavirus be treated as line-of-duty deaths. This mandate ensures that their families receive full death benefits to help support their families. Sergeant Donaldson had contracted the virus while working at the Caldwell County Jail. Donaldson is the seventh law enforcement officer to die in the line of duty in the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office history.
Sgt. Donaldson was known for his witty humor and contagious smile. He loved spending time with his family, traveling, and skiing. In 2020, Donaldson was named “Corrections Supervisor of the Year.”
Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office
Donaldson devoted his law enforcement career to the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office. He spent eleven years with the office wearing badge number 8280. Donaldson, badge number 8280, was a faithful servant to his community and known to be the kind of officer that would help those in need. The office is located in the county seat of Lockhart, Texas.
The city was founded in 1848 and is part of the Greater Austin Metropolitan Area. Deputies patrol a large area of more than 547 square miles. The department provides safety and security to approximately 40,000 residents. The CCSO also provides court security, service and oversees the operation of the Caldwell County Jail.
Remembrances
Sergeant Jason Donaldson leaves behind his wife and three young children. The community will need to pull together to help show the Donaldson family support and see to the future of these children. Additionally, law enforcement from around the area will come forward to lead honor to the loss of Sgt. Donaldson.
The Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office posted the announcement of the loss of Facebook. “Sheriff Mike Lane and the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office mourns the loss of Sergeant Jason Donaldson of our Corrections Division. We offer our condolences to his family, his friends, and all who worked with or knew Sgt. Donaldson. Our prayers are with them.”
Sheriff Chris Kaber of the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office shared condolences from his office. “On behalf of the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office in Klamath Falls, Oregon, we send our sincerest sympathy in the recent loss of your Sergeant, Jason Donaldson, from complications of the COVID-19 Virus. It is always a huge loss when a fellow Sergeant succumbs from this deadly virus. His bravery and courage to protect and serve your community have not gone unnoticed.”
Lockhart Fire Department shared in the grief and loss of Sgt. Donaldson. “Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Sergeant Jason Donaldson and to his family at the Caldwell County Sherrif’s Office. Rest easy, Sgt. Donaldson.”
A friend and resident, Miguel Simpson, posted goodbyes to Donaldson online. “My deepest condolences to Sgt. Donaldson’s wife, son, closest family, and friends. I met Sgt. Donaldson, through a training class I had to take to obtain my license to be a CO, we hit it off right away, but when we finished the course, I could tell we were now close friends and he was a huge role model for me. I’m sad I never got to go fishing with you, Sgt. But glad you are in a better place.”
