A frigid, snowy January morning in 2004’snow had fallen the night before and area roads were slick. Hadley resident Elizabeth Adams, 76, loses control of her car, slides off Hadley Road, and overturns’trapping her upside down on a frozen pond’the vehicle gradually sinking below the ice into waist deep water.
Three passers-by venture out on the frozen surface, pry the door open as a massive fracture in the cracking ice encircling the Buick gives way, plunging the trio into the freezing water.
Adams was rescued and able to make her way to the embankment and safety.
Among the rescuers’Genesee County Deputy Sheriff David McDonald assigned to Atlas Township.
Still humble after the event, McDonald, who was named Flint-Central Optimist Club’s 2004 Officer, and a hero by the Hundred Club of Flint for his efforts, recalls the event.
‘I can’t swim either,? laughs McDonald, 45. ‘Those other men worked just as hard as I did’they’re the real heroes.?
The impromptu ice rescue is just a glimpse of more than 19 stellar years of service McDonald gave to the GCSD, which included 10 years stationed in Atlas Township. He will retired on June 19.
‘I’ve been blessed to work for the Genesee County Sheriff Department,? said McDonald. ‘I’ve been fortunate to work out here in Atlas Township. Community policing is all about good relationships’many of the people have never dealt with a police officer before, so first impressions are everything. It’s about getting neighbors to talk and resolve issues before the problems escalate.?
McDonald, a Flint native, joined the Army following graduation from Swartz Creek High School in 1982. He served two years in the air defense artillery. He later attended Mott Community College and studied criminal justice receiving an associate’s degree. Following a short stint at the Genesee Valley Mall in Flint Township, McDonald began his career at the GCSD.
‘The sheriff’s department has had, and continues to have, outstanding leadership from top to bottom,? he said. ‘There’s not a deputy out there that won’t give 100 percent’they all have made my job easier.?
During his years with the department, McDonald has served in the Genesee County Jail in downtown Flint, road patrol in both Vienna and Atlas townships. In 2004 he was promoted to traffic sergeant and in June 2008 he was named lieutenant for all sheriff patrol in Genesee County.
‘I’ve accomplished my goals here and I’m very thankful to the Genesee County Sheriff Department for the opportunities provided me.?