Officer Edward McDermott: Serving Oakland Through His Job and Community Involvement

Serving his community is embedded in Officer Edward McDermott's DNA. 

Growing up in Edgewater, he and his family were all active in emergency services, firefighting and law enforcement.

Officer McDermott came to live in Oakland in 1998.

A year later he completed his training at the State Police Academy and began his career in Oakland.  Today, he is vice president of the Oakland P.B.A. and a Boy Scout and Girl Scout leader.

In addition to his regular duties as a police officer, McDermott speaks  passionately about his involvement in the Oakland Police Department's community outreach programs. 

"Oakland's outreach programs engage people and bring them together,” he says.

Police Station Tours - McDermott performs 15 station tours per year for youths and adults who want to know the workings of the police department or are interested in a career in law enforcement.

School Drug Programs - McDermott speaks to fifth-grade students on behalf of D.A.R.E. and its sister program, "Too Good For Drugs.”  These are interactive, on-going programs that build good decision-making for youth regarding smoking, drugs and alcohol.

Junior Police Academy - Officer McDermott was a founder of Oakland's Junior Police Academy for middle school students.  This program provides 50 hours of training for Oakland youth annually.  McDermott also conducts 12 three-hour sessions in each of Oakland's schools dealing with drug and alcohol avoidance.

In his everyday police work, he stresses good communication with Oakland residents.  When he receives a report of a problem, he makes a point of communicating the outcome to the person who reported it.

McDermott states, "I believe in our community. As a law enforcement officer I have put my energy into building strong outreach programs for our youth. It's great to work and live in Oakland, to watch my kids grow up here. Our town is connected as a group of people across many layers. Every day I feel sincere gratitude for my job and the ability to help as many people as possible."

This story was written by correspondent Terri Casaleggio