K-9 officer helps community heal and thrive

During the Miami-Dade Police Department’s 43rd Annual Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony, K-9 Officer Isabel McDonald shared her poem, “When I Don’t Come Home One Day.” Described as a powerful message of resilience, remembrance and the unbreakable bond of the law enforcement community, it is very personal for her.

In addition to being a K-9 officer at the Seaport, McDonald has been a hostage negotiator for 22 years, served in the Department’s Honor Guard, and is a peer advocate within the Department’s Mental Health and Wellness Bureau. Before becoming a police officer, McDonald was a funeral director for 13 years. 

When asked how she came to law enforcement, she explained that dealing with people in crisis drew her to find a way to make a difference.

“It bothers me to see people hurt or in distress, and to be able to help them and address their needs with the right care and resources is purposeful and rewarding.”

McDonald is passionate about her role as a peer advocate. She provides support to officers who are involved in a call that can be especially difficult to process. 

“When I tried to find an appropriate prayer or poem to share when we lost Detective Cesar “Echy” Echaverry two years ago, I couldn’t find the right message. I thought about what I wanted my family to know if anything happened, and the words just flowed,” McDonald said.

“Since sharing the poem, law enforcement family members have approached me to tell me how much the words helped. That means everything to me. We all need and deserve closure.”

“I didn’t expect the poem to resonate with so many others. Police1 approached me this year to record the poem for National Police Week. I could not have been more proud when the Department offered their approval.”

As a K-9 officer, McDonald said she is a big animal person and spends a lot of her time off training her dog. She always makes time for her family and wants to be sure they know how she feels about them and her role in helping our community thrive.

Learn more about officer McDonald and read her poem "When I Don’t Come Home One Day."