FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. — A police officer has died as a result of cancer caused by service at the Pentagon after the 9/11 terror attacks, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.
Master Police Officer Don Gotthardt died on Oct. 16, 2025, according to the page. He had served the Fairfax County Police Department for 25 years and had served in law enforcement for 34.
He served at the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001, before being assigned to the search and recovery efforts in the days following.
He is survived by his wife, two stepchildren and a grandson.
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