The Fort Walton Beach City Council meeting last Tuesday took a moment to honor a pioneering law enforcement officer whose career achievements were nearly lost to flames.
- Police Chief Robert Bage presented Donna Dewrell with a replacement plaque recognizing her service to the Fort Walton Beach Police Department after her original plaque and retired ID were destroyed when her Laurel Hill home was burglarized and set on fire about six months ago.
“Donna Dewrell was a senior police officer and detective with the city of Fort Walton Beach Police Department. She was a trailsetter and trailblazer in the industry for women in policing,” Bage said during the June 10 meeting.
Dewrell began her law enforcement career on October 13, 1982, with the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, serving until October 31, 1983. She then joined the Fort Walton Beach Police Department on November 1, 1983, where she served the community for nearly eight years until she medically retired on May 13, 1991 due to injuries on the job.
During her time with Fort Walton Beach police, Dewrell rose through the ranks to serve as both a Senior Patrol Officer and a Detective. At a time when female officers were often underrepresented and faced added scrutiny, she pursued advanced training and earned multiple commendations.
Her investigative skills were highlighted in one extraordinary incident during a traffic stop. Dewrell pulled over a vehicle that had been reported stolen, discovering the driver was an escaped federal prisoner from Leavenworth Penitentiary. Disguised as a retired Lieutenant Colonel and claiming to be training at Hurlburt Field, the fugitive was operating under a false identity.
- Using her calm demeanor and tactical awareness, Dewrell convinced the man to accompany her back to the police department under the pretense of issuing him a citation. Once there, she identified the alias he was using, leading to the arrival of U.S. Marshals from Pensacola who took the fugitive into custody.
Okaloosa County Chairman Paul Mixon attended Tuesday’s meeting to witness the recognition ceremony.
“I appreciate it very, very much. I appreciate the plaque and the recognition, and all I can say is thank you very much,” Dewrell said after receiving the replacement plaque.
Chief Bage recognized Dewrell for her service and commitment to public safety, calling the tribute meaningful for a career that helped lay the groundwork for the women who would follow in her footsteps in law enforcement.
