Georgia Police Recruit Dies After Medical Emergency During Training
Ronald Donat, 41, was a member of the Gwinnett County Police Department’s 112 Training Academy. Donat experienced the medical emergency that killed him during physical training in the first class of the day, at about 6:45 a.m., which prompted him to be taken to a local hospital.

Ronald Donat, 41, died Tuesday after suffering a medical emergency during training at the Gwinnett County (GA) Police Academy. (Photo: Gwinnett County PD)
The Gwinnett County (GA) Medical Examiner’s Office is looking into what caused an unspecified medical emergency that resulted in the death of a police recruit Tuesday morning.
Gwinnett Police Officer Senior Hideshi Valle told the Gwinnett Daily Post that Stockbridge resident Ronald Donat, 41, was a member of the Gwinnett County Police Department’s 112 Training Academy. Donat experienced the medical emergency that killed him during physical training in the first class of the day, at about 6:45 a.m., which prompted him to be taken to a local hospital.
“There were various physical activities this morning, to include running, pushups, pull-ups and several other exercises,” Valle said. “He had just completed the pull-up portion of the physical class (when he began experiencing issues).”
Donat is the only Gwinnett police recruit to have died during training, police officials said during a press conference on Tuesday afternoon. He leaves behind a fiance and two children, to whom Gwinnett police have sent their condolences.
“This was his second day on training,” Valle said. “He was a pre-recuit prior and they conducted his full activities prior to today. This was his second day as a member of this training class.”
More Training
Two-Officer Tactical Doorway Entry Techniques
Entering a room during active-threat situations requires communication, coordination, and disciplined tactical movement. In this video, trainers from the United States Deputy Sheriff’s Association demonstrate critical room entry concepts, including fatal funnel awareness, team coordination, and safe tactical movement.
Read More →High Compressed Ready Explained | Muzzle Control For Room Entry
In this video, Mike Willis, law enforcement national training and program director for the United States Deputy Sheriffs’ Association, demonstrates the high compressed ready position and discusses muzzle control during room entry.
Read More →
Built for Patrol: How One Police Chief Fixed Communication, Boosted Visibility, and Changed the Culture
Patrol work hasn’t changed—but the expectations on officers have. See how one police chief helped officers get the right information at the right time, improve patrol visibility, and strengthen trust without adding complexity or surveillance. This real-world story shows how patrol-driven technology can make the job safer, smarter, and more effective—starting on day one.
Read More →Why Attend the DroneSense Innovation Summit by Versaterm?
Let’s hear from Ryan Bracken, head of product, about why your agency should send someone to the first annual DroneSense Innovation Summit by Versaterm in April.
Read More →
Caswell Live Fire Spins Off from InVeris
Caswell Live Fire has spun off from parent company InVeris, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of Caswell’s founding. Over the past 100 years, Caswell has developed pioneering solutions that support military, law enforcement, and commercial clients worldwide.
Read More →When Do You Transport a Wounded Officer Instead of Waiting for EMS?
Thumbnail for video series POLICE Topics, Tactics & Tips with a yellow headline that reads When Do You Transport a Wounded Officer Instead of Waiting for EMS?
Read More →How to Pick Your High-Risk Stop Location for Tactical Advantage
Hear veteran trainer Mike Willis, of the United States Deputy Sheriff’s Association, explain several considerations that can help you wisely pick your best spot to initiate high-risk or felony traffic stops.
Read More →Coffee Break with Police Experts: Using Your Patrol Vehicle for Cover
In this video, hear from Dustin Mowery, a product specialist at Team Wendy, as he discusses how to best use a patrol vehicle for cover.
Read More →
Preventing Blue-on-Blue Shootings
In this video, Mike Willis, law enforcement national training and program director, United States Deputy Sheriff’s Association, discusses how to prevent blue-on-blue shootings.
Read More →
What Officers Should Have in Their IFAK
Sydney Vail, M.D., explains what officers should carry in their IFAKs, the importance of carrying two tourniquets, and the necessity of locating medical gear in a location that can be easily accessed with either hand.
Read More →