Lieutenant Donald Carter Webb, Jr.
Born: January 28, 1972
EOW: June 28, 2022
Law Enforcement Officer, North Carolina
Loving, humble, hardworking, laughter, authentic
Don earned his B.A. in Criminal Justice and Music from the University of Virginia, where he had the privilege of living on ‘The Lawn’ while serving as the president of the University of Virginia Men’s Glee Club. Who would have thought a music major would become a police officer? But that was Don’s calling, and he was good at it.
Don was well respected by his superiors and those he supervised in the police department. He was generous with praise, encouragement, and hugs. His sound judgment, problem-solving, interpersonal and communication skills served his career well. He had a desire to be of service and make a meaningful impact in his work, not to make arrests.
“Don was a gift,” his former wife, Kimberly, stated. He was a wonderful human being, full of wisdom, yet humble. Don loved golf, the occasional fine cigar, singing in the church choir, cracking jokes, and laughing until tears streamed down his face. He enjoyed life to the fullest. Most of all, he enjoyed raising their daughter, Sarah Madalyn. She, as he called her, was “his everything.” Remaining friends after their divorce, Don and Kimberly spoke openly, attended events together, and became known as the ideal divorced parents. Sarah Maddie was Don’s pride and joy. He moved mountains to facilitate her healthy growth and development and with Kimberly, guided her to success. Dance was Sarah Maddie’s passion, and Don never missed a recital, even if that meant standing in the back, in uniform, radio turned down, “the bad guys would just have to wait. “He was everything a little girl looks for in a father,” Kimberly said. ‘He was funny and kind, yet stern when needed.’
Believing it better to leave work at work, Don didn’t share the bad things he saw while on duty, or the job-related trauma he was experiencing. Early in their marriage, Kimberly agreed with the policy not to talk about work. “If I have one regret from our marriage, that would be it,” Kimberly stated. Later, they discussed the bad things he saw, but she felt he “padded” it to protect his family from harsh realities.
The morning Don took his life, he called Kimberly and asked if she believed in the power of forgiveness. They had previous deep conversations about forgiveness, so she responded, “Well, of course, you know I do.” They talked for a bit, then Don said, “You and Maddie are the strongest people I know.” That was it. No more words. Kimberly heard his suicide over the phone.
“I don’t think Don wanted to die. I believe he wanted his pain to end, and this was the only way he knew how.” Kimberly stated. ‘He could have called anyone-or no one. But he called me. The words Don left me with give me the strength to push ahead and persevere.” It was a horrible experience and yet the thought lingers, ‘Don believes in us.’
A letter Don left for his police department read:
“I gave my life to this organization. Please take care of each other. Tell the nation that police suicide is a real problem.”
Since Don’s passing, Kimberly and Sarah feel the stigma of suicide. There is a need for more resources now than ever for officers who feel there is no way out. Don’s story, his life, and his death, need to be shared. Don asked that the nation be told, so Kimberly and Sarah are doing so. Something must change. Don was two years away from retirement. He planned to relax, play golf, write music, and consult for law enforcement agencies. He will not see Sarah Madalyn, now 21, graduate from college in Spring of 2024 from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He won’t see her open her dance studio. He would be proud.
Kimberly and Sarah have partnered with Blue H.E.L.P, a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to reduce mental health stigma through education, advocate for benefits for those suffering from post-traumatic stress, acknowledge the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers we lost to suicide, support families after a suicide and to bring awareness to suicide and mental health issues. Fifty percent of the proceeds raised will go directly to Blue H.E.L.P.
Please consider purchasing a decal for your vehicle in honor of Donald Carter Webb, Jr., and the badge numbers he wore proudly throughout his career, #856 and #354 for only $10.
The more decals displayed and travel through this country, the more the word gets out.
Payment Forms Accepted:
PayPal: [email protected]
Venmo: Kimberly-Webb-14
Cashapp: $Stargazerdust
Please provide name and mailing address so decal can be sent.