Lt. Richard McDonald joined the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office in 1990 after serving in the United States Air Force. He started his law enforcement career as a 911 operator, while continuing to serve in the Air Force Reserves until 1991. During this time, Lt. McDonald was also a member of the Sheriff’s Reserve Program, which led him to pursue a career as a Deputy Sheriff.

In 1992 Lt. McDonald was certified to be a law enforcement officer in the State of Florida and was transferred from the Communications Division to Road Patrol. His assignment brought him to patrol the Englewood area. He later joined the Sheriff’s Marine Patrol Division and expanded his patrols to the waterways and islands of the county. Lt. McDonald was selected to serve the Boca Grande area and worked with Lee County Sheriff’s Office in policing both counties. He later became the Barrier Island Deputy, and served the residents of the bridgeless barrier islands of Knight, Don Pedro and Little Gasparilla Islands.

Lt. McDonald was promoted through the ranks from corporal and sergeant to his current rank of lieutenant. He was assigned as one of the Sheriff’s four Watch Commanders, who are in charge of the daily operations of the agency, primarily focusing is on the road patrol.

During his career Lt. McDonald has attended numerous training and management courses.

Lt. McDonald is married and has four children.