Brewster County 1977-1984, 1989-1996
Sheriff Jack Lavoe McDaniel
Jack Lavoe McDaniel was born August 28, 1929 in Munday, Texas and died at home on May 20, 2005 in Alpine, Texas.
McDaniel served in the U.S. Army in 1949 and the U.S. Air Force from 1952-1957. He married Bobbie Jacka in Odessa, Texas on August 28, 1950. Beginning at age 15, McDaniel raised and trained horses and graduated as a Master Farrier from New Mexico State University before establishing the Farrier training program at Sul Ross State University in the 1970’s.
In 1975, he earned a degree in Criminal Justice at Sul Ross State University and had experience as a Deputy working with Sheriff Skinner and as a Deputy in El Paso County from 1968-1972.
Sheriff McDaniel served eight years from 1977 through 1984 and chose not to run for reelection due to health concerns after heart by-pass surgery. He recovered and ran for Sheriff again in 1988 and resumed his duties as Sheriff of Brewster County in 1989 through 1996.
Sheriff McDaniel’s accomplishments include expanding and enlarging the department by increasing staff, since previously only the sheriff and two deputies handled all duties for a county that covers 9,208 square miles. With additional jailers, office staff, and deputies, McDaniel also brought in solar powered radio repeaters to expand communications across the large county area.
McDaniel once commented “[O]ur Sheriffs Department has served the citizens of our county well for the past several years. I believe that we have continually improved the department in many ways, and should continue to do so in the future.”
He offered advice for those going into law enforcement and the the criminal justice system, to” enter with and maintain enthusiasm. Continue ot learn; broaden your education. Do your job with professionalism. Be honest, courteous, considerate, and compassionate to all people in the execution of your duties. Always remember! we the law enforcement officers work for the great people of our society, the American public! When an officer loses sight of this one fact, he or she cease to be a good efficient officer with the proper attitude to perform his assigned duties, and serve the people as they should.”

Jack Lavoe McDaniel photo courtesy of Carl C. Williams collection