Utica College Grad Was One of Four Officers To Respond To Vegas Shooter’s Hotel Room

On October 1st, 2017 a gunman named Stephen Paddock opened fire on innocent concert goers at an outdoor venue on the Las Vegas Strip. 58 people were killed and hundreds more were injured. Four brave Las Vegas Police Officers were the first to arrive at the room of Paddock at the Mandalay Bay Resort and one of them is a graduate of Utica College.

Utica College posted on their Facebook page a message honoring Detective Matthew Donaldson for his heroism. The post states, "Our alums, spread out all over the country and the world, are doing good things. Matthew Donaldson '07 was one of the first officers on the 32nd floor of Mandalay Bay in the attempt to apprehend shooter Stephen Paddock, who killed 58 and injured hundreds."

Donaldson, who is a native of Dexter, NY, was the all-time scoring leader on the Utica College Varsity Lacrosse team during his time in Central New York. The college extended words of thanks to Donaldson writing, "Kudos, Matt, for doing the best work under the worst of circumstances."

Donaldson was one of four police officers who were interviewed during a segment on '60 Minutes' a week after the tragic massacre in Vegas. You can see the full '60 Minutes' interview by clicking HERE.