Lt. McDonald was a private practice attorney as well as a Reserve Officer with the Florida Fresh Water Fish and Game Commission. He began his career with Broward College in 2005 teaching law as an adjunct instructor in the police academy, and he became a full-time professor in 2013, teaching both cadets and degree-seeking students criminal law, constitutional law and criminal evidence. He earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of Tampa and his juris doctorate at Nova Southeastern University.
Patrick was nominated for Professor of the Year five times, but each year he turned down submitting a portfolio because he didn’t want the educational journey to be about him. Such humility, and his keen sense of humor, made him one of the most popular professors at the Institute for Public Safety.
Many have inquired about how they may express condolences and honor his memory in a meaningful way. His family and friends have established a fund in his name, and we are accepting gifts to the Lt. Patrick G. McDonald Memorial Scholarship.