Donald Lee Girson

Donald Lee Girson, age 82, of Lake Worth, Florida, passed away January 7, 2026. He was predeceased by his grandson, Jason C. Russo, as well as his parents, Aaron N. Girson and Ruth L. Girson, and his brother, Roger Girson.

If you were to ask anyone who knew him, Don would be remembered as personable, principled, and loyal. He was a U.S. Air Force Veteran who had a calling for public service and had a long career as a police officer. However, the stories of his life almost seem like that of a novel—exciting, tragic, and, in many instances, unbelievable. He was born on August 11, 1943 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to his loving parents, Aaron and Ruth. During his childhood, his brother Roger was one of the first children to receive the revolutionary heart surgery from Doctors Vivien Thomas, Alfred Blalock, and Helen Taussig. Additionally, while stationed in Anchorage, Alaska with the Air Force, Don was present for the 1964 Good Friday Earthquake, where he saved numerous lives by evacuating a hospital. Truly, the tales surrounding Don, known affectionately by his grandchildren as “Papa”, were the subject of many conversations. However, nothing quite compares to his career as a police officer.

After leaving Anchorage, Don became a Sergeant for the Largo Police Department in Largo, Florida while studying in college. He eventually left for Colorado and received his Bachelors degree in Criminal Justice from the Metropolitan State College of Denver. On July 16, 1973, he joined the Lakewood Police Department in Lakewood, Colorado. He received commendations in his very first year and was selected as the department’s first Personnel Investigation Coordinator, later working with the Intelligence Division. In six short years, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. During the years prior to and right after his promotion, Don assisted in sting operations in coordination with the FBI, recovering over $1 million in stolen property and arresting 64 suspects. In 1984, Don was instrumental in overseeing the enforcement of misdemeanor and felony arrests during the “Colfax Cruising” phenomenon.

As a supervisor, Don was described as compassionate, yet firm with peers, subordinates, and superiors. While the investigations became more complex, he proved that he was more than capable of answering the call. On May 8, 1991, with complete disregard for his safety, Don helped rescue eight people from a burning apartment building by crawling on hands and knees after entering until the heat and smoke was too much to bear. For this, he received the Medal of Valor, the department’s highest honor. Again, Don would prove his mettle on April 20, 1999, when he responded with Lakewood SWAT to the horrific shooting at Columbine High School, and helped evacuate dozens of students. As a member of the department’s Homicide Unit, this incident would prove to be particularly challenging for him emotionally, but he remained committed to his work.

Don’s career was filled with intrigue and tragedy, but he was steadfast and never lost his sense of wonder and joy. Upon retirement in 2004, he received the Lakewood Police Department Police Service Award for his considerable impact on the community and his peers. His sense of humor, his love of chocolate, and the nickel-plated Smith & Wesson Model 19 revolver he carried while on duty are just a few of the things that he will be remembered for. He was also a staunch Denver Broncos fan and loved traveling, scuba diving, deep sea fishing, and boats. But, for our family, he will also be remembered for his tender heart, his love of animals, his obsession with classic cars, the support he provided for those he loved, and so much more. Ultimately, Don’s life reflected his commitment to humanity itself and the desire to do good for others, no matter the cost.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 61 years, Penny Girson, children, Kimberly Girson-Russo, Aaron G. Girson (Michele), grandchildren, Zachary A. Girson, Taylor A. Russo (Sian), Nathaniel A. Russo (Hannah), Devin C. Girson, Tara N. Girson. He is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

To honor Don’s life, we believe it’s crucial to remember his personal sacrifices—his bravery in the face of darkness that few will ever have to encounter, the medicine of his quick-witted humor, and the unwavering support he gave his family when they needed it most. Don’s legacy is that of honor, intellectual curiosity, and humility. He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by those he forever inspired as well as those he saved.

A Memorial Service will be held 1:00 pm Thursday, January 29, 2026 at Tillman Funeral Home & Crematory, 2170 S. Military Trail, West Palm Beach, Florida, the Rev. Richard Stangler officiant.

Inurnment with Military Honors will follow at 2:30 pm at South Florida National Cemetery, Lake Worth, Florida.

The family will receive friends beginning at 12:00pm Thursday, January 29, 2026 at the funeral home.