Trooper Donald C. Brackett

February 27, 1961 - May 18, 2019

Trooper Donald C. Brackett was born on February 27, 1961, in Memphis, Tennessee, to parents Mickey and Shirley Brackett.

Trooper Brackett enrolled at Texas A&M University on August 20, 1979. Upon graduating from A&M, Trooper Brackett enlisted with the United States Marine Corps on May 5, 1984 and spent the next ten years of his life serving with the Marine Corps, attaining the rank of Captain.

Trooper Brackett enlisted with the Pennsylvania State Police on October 1, 2001, as a member of the 110th Cadet Class. He and his class graduated on April 12, 2002. Upon graduation, Trooper Brackett was assigned to Troop K, Media. Trooper Brackett remained at Troop K until his transfer to Troop M, Trevose, on November 28, 2009. Trooper Brackett then transferred to Troop T, King of Prussia, on December 19, 2015.

On May 18, 2019, members from Troop M, Trevose, and Troop T, King of Prussia, responded to westbound Interstate 276 at mile marker 351.9 in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, at approximately 11:30 a.m., after Trooper Brackett failed to answer radio transmissions. He was found unresponsive outside his patrol vehicle from an apparent medical episode. Upon discovering Trooper Brackett, members immediately began CPR. Advanced medical personnel transported Trooper Brackett to Jefferson Torresdale Hospital in Philadelphia but were unable to revive him. Trooper Brackett was previously engaged in Department Motorcycle training that was subsequently discovered to have exacerbated an unknown existing medical condition, ultimately leading to the fatal medical episode from which he died.

State Police Commissioner Robert Evanchick said, “all personnel of the Pennsylvania State Police are deeply affected by this loss. Our thoughts are with Trooper Brackett’s family and friends as they mourn his sudden passing.”

Trooper Brackett is survived by his beloved wife Marta (Moyett) Brackett; his daughters, Gabriella Brackett and Brianna Brackett; his father, Mickey Brackett; and his siblings Mickie Ann Blizzard and Frank David Brackett.

At 58 years of age, Trooper Brackett was the 99th member of the Department to be killed in the line of duty.