Before becoming a member of the Miami-Dade (Fla.) Police Department, Isabel McDonald spent her early career as a funeral director for 13 years.
During this time, McDonald carefully selected prayer cards that carried personal meanings for grieving families. This experience of providing comfort and support during times of profound loss laid the foundation for her future in law enforcement.
Now, with 24 years of law enforcement service under her belt, she is part of the K-9 unit assigned to the Seaport Operations Bureau, where she works alongside her canine partner to ensure port safety and security. Her extensive career also includes 22 years as a hostage negotiator, a role in the honor guard and significant contributions as a peer advocate within the department’s Psychological Services Bureau (PSB).
McDonald’s empathetic approach, shaped by her background in funeral service, allows her to connect deeply with the community and her fellow officers. Her compassion is evident not only in her professional interactions but also in her creative expression. McDonald penned her poem, “When I Don’t Come Home One Day” after Miami-Dade PD Officer Cesar Echaverry was killed in the line of duty in August 2022.
In the video above, McDonald explains a typical day as a K-9 officer for the Seaport Operations Bureau, what her K-9, Bentley, is responsible for while on duty and how her role has evolved over her 24-year career.
