Deserving Fort Lauderdale Police Officer Wins a Day on the Water
Giving Back is What He Does Best. Now it’s Dad’s Turn to Relax, Community Philanthropist Wins Contest; Spends Day on the Water with Family
Published: Sunday, July 19, 2020
Surrounding Father's Day, the Virtual Palm Beach International Boat Show and the MIAPBC worked with MarineMax to offer one Frontline Hero a "Father's Day on the Water." The lucky winner was a deserving father who also doubles as a police officer and community philanthropist.
Early on Tuesday, June 16, Sergeant James McDowell of the Fort Lauderdale Police Department, was informed that he was the winner of the Virtual Palm Beach International Boat Show's "Frontline Super Dad" contest. Sergeant McDowell and his family were treated to a four-hour lunch cruise aboard a brand new Galeon Yacht 425 HTS, sponsored by MarineMax Palm Beach at PGA Marina.
"I knew my wife submitted my name for a contest, but I had no idea what the prize was going to be," said Sergeant McDowell. Tanya, his wife, wrote an exquisite submission detailing the hard work James does for his community.
My husband, James, is a phenomenal man. He is a Sergeant for the Fort Lauderdale police department and is currently responsible for overseeing the city's school resource officers. When he is not working, he runs a nonprofit called Youth Behind the Shield that he founded in 2017 for at-risk students at Dillard High School… He also reads to Elementary students in his free time and volunteers in the community… For the last three years, he has escorted a senior young lady who does not have a father to an event called Father's MIA, a function similar to a prom for senior girls. He also volunteers with the Men of Tomorrow, a program for middle school and high school boys. He has many students and mentees that consider him a father because of his selflessness and kindness.
Sergeant James McDowell prides himself on helping youth through mentoring and outreach with local organizations that include Youth Behind the Shield, Father's MIA, and Men of Tomorrow. These separate organizations all share one common purpose – to provide resources for young people to find their way in the world.
"I believe you leave it better than you found it," continues Sergeant McDowell. "These programs are led with passion. And this is just me, fulfilling my purpose to show people that there is more to the uniform. We pour into kids' lives to help them with the challenges that they may be facing. We talk about life skills, dealing with challenges, checking in with grades, and figuring out what they want to do after high school or college."
The "Father's Day on the Water" contest found a very deserving dad and provided a fun day away from land to connect with family and experience the #BoatLife. Sergeant James McDowell is the father of two biological boys and one adopted baby girl. The entire family enjoyed the day at sea and will share memories for years to come.
Hear the full interview with Sergeant James McDowell on MarineMax's From the Helm Boating Broadcast on Thursday, July 2, at 11:00 am. The show premieres on both Facebook and YouTube, and viewers are encouraged to make comments and ask questions.
About MarineMax
Headquartered in Clearwater, Florida, MarineMax is the nation’s largest recreational boat and yacht retailer. Focused on premium brands, such as Sea Ray, Boston Whaler, Hatteras, Azimut Yachts, Benetti, Ocean Alexander, Galeon, Grady-White, Harris, Bennington, Crest, MasterCraft, MJM Yachts, NauticStar, Scout, Sailfish, Scarab Jet Boats, Tige, Yamaha Jet Boats, Aquila, Aviara, and Nautique. MarineMax sells new and used recreational boats and related marine products and services as well as provides yacht brokerage and charter services. MarineMax also owns Fraser Yachts Group, a leading superyacht brokerage and luxury yacht services company with operations in multiple countries. MarineMax currently has 59 retail locations in Alabama, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina and Texas and operates MarineMax Vacations in Tortola, British Virgin Islands. MarineMax is a New York Stock Exchange-listed company. For more information, please visit www.marinemax.com.
About the Palm Beach International Boat Show
The annual Palm Beach International Boat Show is one of the top five boat shows in the country featuring more than $1.2 billion worth of yachts and accessories, including hundreds of boats ranging from 8-foot inflatables to super yachts nearly 300 feet in length. In addition to the large selection of boats and exhibits, the show offers fun and educational activities, including free youth fishing clinics by Hook The Future and IGFA School of Sportfishing seminars. Owned by the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County (MIAPBC) and organized by Informa Markets, the Palm Beach International Boat Show has a total statewide economic impact of $682.7 million and supports 4,394 full-time Florida jobs with a $228 million statewide labor impact due to economic activity. For more information, visit pbboatshow.com.
tags: Charity, Feel Good Story, Promotions & Giveaways, South Coast
