The Police News
November 20, 2009

JAMAICA BEACH, TX -- Don Moore has been the friendly, neighorhood cop around Jamacia Beach for the past 10 years.

Slight in stature but big in personality, Moore has a grandfatherly persona that makes people feel comfortable around him.  He's been a lawman for 36 of his 67 years and if one didn't know he was, when he is dressed in his jeans and do-rag, he's just another easy going, soft spoken grandpa.

Today Don Moore lies in a hospital room at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveton in a coma, the after effect of a massive heart attack suffered November 4th as he pumped gas into his pickup truck at the Jamaica Beach Valero station. 

"He is doing okay since they removed life support systems," said a friend, "but he remains in a coma, unable to communicate or recognize anyone."

Moore's son and three daughters rushed to Galveston from their homes in Kansas City and San Antonio and at least one of them has remained at his side and taking care of his home and pets, a dog, cats and a bird.

Born and raised in Illinois, Moore became a Texas lawman when he joined the Precinct 5 Constable's Office in Nueces County, Corpus Christi, in 1973.  On his way to Jamaica Beach he served on the Port Aransas Police Department, Taft Police Department and Kendall County Sheriff's Office.

"He's a workaholic," said his supervisor, Jamaica Beach Police Lt. Steve Hubbell.  "He's always there when we need him, no matter what time it is, day or night."

Moore is a 'dyed in the wool lawman'.  He has earned a Master Peace Officer's rating, he is a firearms instructor and is skilled in the martial arts. But he is a patrolman at heart, says Hubbell, "he is a born patrol officer."

In 2007 Don lost the love of his life, Sandy Lane and has live alone with his pets in his home near the Jamaica Beach Marina. To fill his time off duty he rides his new Harley-Davidson Trike (3-wheel motorcycle)and takes part in rides and other activities with the Blue Knights law enforcement motorcycle organization. He is a longtime member of chapter XXXI in Galveston.

Don's many friends, personal and professional, in law enforcement and in the Blue Knights organization are praying for Don's recovery and return to his Jamaica Beach home.

Well-wishers may post messages to Don's friends and family below.