Rebecca Dodson is guest speaker at Rotary
R. L. Dodson is the author of The High Sheriff: John Perry McDaniel III, a compelling nonfiction biography that chronicles the life and career of one of Jackson County, Florida’s most enduring law enforcement figures. Published in 2017, this book stands as Dodson’s first foray into nonfiction, following her earlier fictional works in the justice series, Heart of Jaded Justice and Eternal Justice.
Dodson, who grew up in southern Alabama and holds a B.S. in History and Criminal Justice, spent two decades working in the criminal justice system in Florida’s northern panhandle. Her professional background and personal ties to the region deeply informed her writing of The High Sheriff, which she began several years prior to its publication. She was motivated by a desire to document what she saw as a historically significant era in Jackson County law enforcement, as well as to preserve the personal stories of Sheriff John P. “Johnny Mac” McDaniel III.
McDaniel’s tenure as sheriff began in 1980, under tragic circumstances, his father was murdered by serial killers just weeks before he took office. He served for 28 years, retiring in 2008 after the equally tragic murder of his wife. Despite these personal losses, McDaniel remained steadfast in his faith and commitment to public service. Dodson’s narrative captures not only these defining moments but also the broader context of McDaniel’s leadership during turbulent times in the county’s history.
Through extensive interviews and personal reflections, Dodson paints a portrait of McDaniel as a man of integrity, compassion, and resilience. She describes him as a “self-made, God-fearing man of courage” and a “throwback to the days when a handshake was all that was needed to finalize a deal.” Her portrayal emphasizes his multifaceted identity, as a child, son, father, husband, friend, survivor, and the man behind the badge.
The High Sheriff has been well received, with readers praising its heartfelt storytelling and historical significance. The book offers a unique blend of personal biography and local history, providing insights into the challenges and triumphs of law enforcement in a rural Southern community. Dodson’s work ensures that the legacy of Sheriff McDaniel is preserved for future generations.
