Community Advisory Committee – Major Grace O’Donnell

Member of the Board regularly attend CAC meetings on behalf of the community in order to bring community concerns to Miami Dade Police – Kendall District, Code Enforcement and other county representatives. This sustained civic engagement ensures that community concerns reach the right individuals when members of the community identify community conditions that just aren’t right or if there are needs that haven’t been addressed through normal channels. CAC Members also regularly recognize citizens and police officers that exceed performance, dedication, and commitment to the community they serve.

On June 29th, 2022 Board President Jeff Kaslofsky, representing Devo-Aire Villas #1, honored retired Major Grace O’Donnell with a presentation of her many accomplishments through her career up until her retirement in 2010. He also presented her with a framed article from the Miami Herald which detailed her career accomplishments. Major O’Donnell has had a very long career with Miami Dade Police starting as a rookie officer in 1974 and although retired she still serves as a reserve officer. She routinely volunteers her time to MDPD sponsored events and other community interests. In a recent Miami Herald article published on June 6th with the headline of “In 1974, the first Cuban-American female cop patrolled Miami-Dade in a skirt and heels”, it details her many accomplishments as well as the barriers she had to overcome in her chosen profession.