Remembering Don Gamblin

Twenty years ago this past Wednesday, July 13, Shawnee Police Officer Donald Gamblin was killed by a drug impaired driver on Northbound I-435 Freeway, north of the West 51 Street Overpass.  Don was a motorcycle officer and he had a vehicle stopped on the outside lane shoulder when his motorcycle was first struck; then him, killing him instantly; and then the vehicle he had stopped, injuring all of the occupants. Don was the first, and thank God, the only Shawnee police officer killed in the line of duty.

This past Wednesday morning, members of the Shawnee Police Department, the City of Shawnee, Don's family, and others remembered Don during a ceremony at the Shawnee Protectors Monument located in front of the Shawnee Fire Safety Center.  Deputy Chief Rob Moser led the ceremony, and Mayor Jeff Meyers and Don’s widow, Ana Gamblin-Martens spoke.  The Shawnee Police Honor Guard brought the ceremony to an end with a twenty-one gun salute and the playing of Taps.

Don – We miss you and may you rest in peace always.