Prior to joining the Boulder Crest Foundation as a Struggle Well Regional Director, Donnie followed his father’s footsteps and served with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department for 30 years until his retirement April 1, 2026.
During his career, Donnie spent much of his time serving in both patrol and the Special Operations Bureau. He was a NC General Instructor, a Community Officer and Patrol Training Officer. He served on the SWAT Team as a Sniper for 15 years, a Detective and Sergeant with the Violent Criminal Apprehension Team, and before his retirement, he was assigned to the Airport Division where he supervised the Explosive Detection K9 Unit and Narcotics Interdiction Team.
Donnie had been exposed to countless critical incidents that directly affected both his personal and professional life. It was by chance that while attending a law enforcement conference, he was introduced to the Boulder Crest Foundation and the Struggle Well program. Donnie states, “Struggle Well saved me from me.” He found a renewed sense of purpose and continues to serve the First Responder Community. e He
