Officer Donald McDaniel

Officer Donald “Donnie” McDaniel was born in southeast Texas and grew up in Liberty County, where he developed his passion for helping people during his most formative years. Before Law Enforcement, Officer McDaniel served his community in several ways, including serving at his local church and working in the town at a local grocery store. It was his time in the grocery store where he developed his keen sense of listening to people and learned how to become a more effective communicator when speaking to members of the community.

Having served for over a decade in retail and volunteering at the church, Officer McDaniel knew that he had a calling to help people in general.

He attended the College of the Mainland’s Police Academy, which was facilitated by the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office in 2019, and graduated in October of that year. He was then employed at the start of 2020 by a local agency in Liberty County, and over the first five years, Officer McDaniel built his foundation of Law Enforcement at a patrol level predicated on ethical practice, civic duty, and a strong sense of professionalism. Officer McDaniel, during those five years, found a strong interest in traffic enforcement as it was his best chance to engage with people, educate and inform, so you, the driver, are better prepared for the roadway and as he mentions to many drivers while on his traffic stop encounters. Officer McDaniel knew he had found where he needed to be career-wise and began to seek ways to further his education. In doing so, he acquired his Intermediate TCOLE license within two years, a Basic Instructor certification, Field Training Officer certification, Accident Investigator certification, and his Accident Reconstructionist certification.

Outside of his career, Officer McDaniel is proud of what he calls his most prestigious accolade: being married to his best friend for five years and counting, along with being a dad to his two-year-old daughter. He and his family are quick to tell you about the newest movie to release and any relevant Pop Culture thing that may be in the current zeitgeist. His hobbies include listening to podcasts, trying his best to make anyone he meets laugh, and working on perfecting his bowling game; his current best is 254, and he hopes to get the coveted 300 eventually.

He joined the Spring Valley Village Police Department in April of 2025 and was greeted warmly not only by the fellow patrol officers and administration of the department but also by members of the community. Officer McDaniel is eagerly anticipating furthering his career in law enforcement with the Spring Valley Village Police Department for many years to come!