Capitol Words a project of the Sunlight Foundation

Sen. Barbara Boxer

Mr. President, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the memory of a dedicated public servant, Officer Mary Ann Donahou of the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department. On the morning of December 30, 2011, while gathering evidence at a crime scene in Hughson, Officer Donahou was tragically killed after being struck by a vehicle.

Officer Donahou was born in Ceres, CA. In 2002, she began her career at the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office as a booking clerk in the county jail. As her knowledge and love of law enforcement grew, Officer Donahou eventually became a crime scene technician and dutifully served the citizens and communities of Stanislaus County with great commitment, integrity, and valor. Her devotion to helping others, along with her passion for law enforcement, enabled her to become a respected member of the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department.

Those who knew Officer Donahou will always remember her as a caring, kind, and devoted mother, colleague, and friend. She fulfilled her oath as an officer of the law with honor, bravery, and dedication. Her contributions to public safety and commitment to the citizens she served will never be forgotten and will be an example to others who hope to one day protect and serve the public.

I extend my deepest condolences to Officer Donahou's son, Jake Lewis Hassler; her parents, Janice and Robert Pence and Jack and Mary Donahou; and her sisters, Jennifer Horne, Melinda Donahou-Sneed, Lori Donahou and Teresa Brockman.

We shall always be grateful for Officer Donahou's heroic service and the sacrifices she made while serving the community and the people she loved. She will be dearly missed.