Eternal Memory…Phil and I were sworn together 2/3/69. We were in MPDC Rookie Class 200B. We maintained a friendship through the years. Welcome Home Phil. Most of our Rookie Class were Vietnam Veterans.

Dear Family, I was deeply saddened to hear of Phil’s passing. I worked with Phil for many years at MPD. My fondest memories are when Phil and Charlie Bacon were together. They were so funny. Phil was a wonderful person. My deepest condolences to you all. You are in my prayers.

Phil was my Captain for several years at the Seventh District in the Anacostia section of Washington D.C. He was the REAL police, and was widely respected by the street police and liked by all. We had some good times and pulled several humorous (capers) which I won’t go into here. He worked hard and played hard. Needless to say he kept morale sky high and watched out for his troops. One who earned high rank and actually earned it.

Chief was a great man, & one of the funniest people I have ever met. I am honored to have served under him at the City of Glenarden, & not a day goes by that I don’t use, or say something that he taught me. I know that you will miss him, as will I. However because he is in the Hearts of so many he will truly be immortal.

Love Officer Anthony Smith

He was the a friend and mentor. I will pass on his best to others. I am privileged to say that I knew him. He loved his family and protected many more. He will be missed.

Chief O’Donnell was a dear friend and like a father to me and my family. We moved to the city of Glenarden about 4 years ago and he became an intrinsic person in our lives. Our 3 year old son loved him tremendously and was always thrilled to see him. The news of his passing is heartbreaking and the residents of Woodmore Towne Centre will miss him immensely. He was more than just a Chief to the city of Glenarden. He was an exceptional human being and exceeded expectations. May his soul rest easy, may the gates of heaven await him, may peace reign. May God grant patience and mercy to his family, friends and loved ones. We extend from the depth of our hearts our sincere condolences to the O’Donnell Family.

With sincere love,

Nailah John- Prince
Andre Prince
Kaamil Prince

To the O’Donnell family,
l like to express my deepest condolences to you for the loss of your love one (Chief O’Donnell). I want to start off with saying Chief and I worked graceful together for thirteen years to establish credibility and recognition to the Glenarden Police Department. I like to say thanks to him for allowing, trusting me to lead and preform my duties and responsibilities to the fullest of what he expected me to do as second in command. Chief trusted my opinion to recruit and hire good candidates to build this agency upward and to be recognized in the top ten safest cities in the state of Maryland and always in the top five. Just this past year Glenarden was recognized as the third safest city in Maryland. When I last spoke with Chief O’Donnell, I told him we had a good run and most importantly “We Didn’t Fail.” As we say farewell to his 53 years that he dedicated himself to this Law Enforcement profession, Rest In Peace and may God continue to bless your family.

Phil O’Donnel was my sergeant in 7D in 1972. He’d just been promoted to sergeant and I had just joined the department. A very bright and confident sergeant. There were about 4 other women at 7D and we were a novelty to most of the veteran officers in our section. They didn’t know what to expect of us. Sgt O’Donnel would tease the women and provide good advice. He was always in good spirits, which was necessary when working in one of the toughest districts in the city. He will be missed.

I worked with Phil at NSID and he was a great leader and a good man. He was always upbeat and and energetic. He was fully supportive of our mission and he was a “cop’s cop”. May bless your family and shower them with grace in this difficult time.

Greetings O’Donnell family, on behalf of a grateful City our sincere condolences.
Know what an amazing impression your father/husband (our Chief) made on this entire community.

Personally, I had the perfect pleasure to work with Chief O’Donnell on numerous occasions prior to running for Mayor and honored to say he was the first phone call which welcomed me as the 18th Mayor City of Glenarden as Chief O’Donnell-Acting City Manager. A true blessing to my family and we’ll miss him dearly.
What a tremendous insight and knowledge Chief shared with me- I’ll never forget-to allow his words to continue to guide me along my present journey. No wonder he’s a triple Purple Heart honoree Chief (the leader mentor) was committed to serving and not afraid to stand in gap for and unapologetically supported his fellow servants at heart. I having served in 5- present day wars myself retired 20-years active duty veteran Officer USAF, I salute you Chief Phillip A. O’Donnell-a National treasure.
Many thanks to the family for sharing your Dad/Husband with the City of Glenarden Maryland-Salute! As we honor our Chief O’Donnell’s home-going-celebration of life.

We know such a servant’s journey is blessed beyond eternity so we won’t say goodbye rather see you later-to God be the glory.
Sincerely ,
Mayor Cashenna “Cash” Cross and family (Mario, La’Claire and Zafira), City of Glenarden

Thinking of the entire O’Donnell family at this difficult time.
Our sincere condolences,
Michelle’s Westlawn Inn Family

Phil was a great man and a true American patriot. He was an outstanding police officer/official who loved being a cop in DC. A cop’s cop!!

Phil dedicated his life to service and he will be missed! RIP Buddy.

A dedicated service hero throughout life, an NHL fan and a friend. May this real Cop, Rest in Peace . I was fortunate enough as an FBI Agent to work with Phil when he headed- up SOD. He was the real deal and a true partner in Law Enforcement. He was a credit to his profession and to the District of Columbia and Glenarden .
My condolences and prayers to his family

Phil was a good friend for many years. We had a special bond as two Boston Irishmen. May he rest in peace with the Lord. He is missed. Loved the Bruins and Capitals.

Phil was a bright light. He exuded warmth and his ever present smile and the mischievous twinkle in his eyes could cheer even the darkest of times. Thank you Phil, for the kindness you shared with so many. It meant the world to me. As did you. You are the best of men. I will never forget you my friend. Godspeed.

I was an NHL linesmen for 32 years. Phil was one of my favorite off- ice officials in the NHL. Always a smile on his face in the penalty box and quick humor to keep things in perspective. I loved chatting with him before the games and teasing him about the Washington Redskins. To Mary and family, my deepest sympathies. He was great friend to many people and I am sad for your loss.
Brian Murphy #93

Chief O’Donnell became a valuable part of the City of Glenarden Administration. His dedication and service was invaluable. The citizens loved and respected him. I served on the City Council serval years with the Chief and I will miss him very much. You have my deepest sympathy.

Margaret T. Dade, Former Councilwoman, Ward 2
City of Glenarden, MD 20706

To the O’Donnell Family and the Glenarden Police Department, we here at Ryon’s Towing were deeply saddened to hear of the Chief’s passing. You all are in our continued thoughts and prayers. The Chief was a good man, and will be deeply missed. We have worked with the Chief and the Glenarden Police Department for many years providing tow services. If there is anything that we can do please let us know.

My heart is heavy for the loss of Chief O’Donnell. He was not only Chief, but also some one I called a Friend. I will truly miss Chief.
My condolences to his family.
Toni, Howard Taylor and Family

To the O’Donnell Family.
Thank you for sharing Chief O’Donnell with us. I worked with him for 13 years.
He was dedicated and faithful to the citizens of Glenarden. I hope these words will bring comfort to you and your family
at this difficult time.

May you find comfort knowing that the residents will truly miss him. May God bless you and your family.
Carolyn Smallwood
Former Council Member.

I joined MPD in 1979 and was assigned to the 7th District where I remained for 7 years. I got to know then Captain O’Donnell very well and enjoyed the time that we spent together first as my boss, then mentor and a most importantly, friend. His enthusiasm for the job was contagious contributing to making those years the best of my career. We remained friends even after his retirement from DC when I would look forward to catching up with him and discussing our latest adventures between periods of the occasional Caps game I would attend. You could always tell that he was proud of the successes of his troops. He was the real police. RIP sir.

My deepest condolences to the O’Donnell family. Chief O’Donnell was an outstanding mentor, dedicated servant, and compassionate friend. I first met the Chief fourteen years ago when I was looking to hire a Police Chief for the City of Glenarden. Chief O’Donnell came highly recommended. Once hired, I knew he was the right man for the job. I admired his commitment and dedication to law enforcement and the City of Glenarden, never allowing personalities or problems to deter him from doing his duty with integrity and honesty. He was a constant source of encouragement and support throughout my mayorship. He also became a kind and caring friend to my family. Though I had lost touch with the Chief over the years, I knew if I needed him for anything, he would spring to action at a moment’s notice. I am greatly honored and blessed to have known him. Our time working together and the friendship we developed will serve as fond memories. May the Lord bring you peace and comfort in knowing his invaluable impact on the many lives he touched. Gail Parker Carter, former Mayor of the City of Glenarden.

Condolences to Mary and the entire O’Donnell family. I have nothing but fond memories of time spent with your dad, from Redskins games at Fed Ex, to the Rod and Reel cancer gala, to the invites to dinner at his home. The first time I met him was when you and him were going to Reagan National airport to pick your mom up after a family visit, and asked me if I wanted to go, as he was taking his cruiser, and I jumped at that chance to ride in a deputy chief’s police cruiser as a guest and not a prisoner. I was instantly interested in law enforcement and all the radio traffic calls. At that time I wanted to learn more about a future career in law enforcement and Chief O’ Donnell encouraged it with recruiting paperwork for MPD and later Dept. of Juvenile justice. Always a good time being around your dad, even during the move of his belongings from Brunswick back to Owings. I’ve thought of him a lot over these last few years and wanted to stop in Glenarden city hall to talk him. So much respect for him and I will visit him at Arlington cemetery when I visit my mother’s grave.