Hello, my name is Sergeant Howard K. Dowdell. I was born in Akron, Ohio, on May 28, 1962.

You can’t know Sergeant Dowdell without knowing my pride and joy, my 3 grown children, Sabrina, Vance, and Marlo,n who all have followed in my footsteps in some capacity.

First, I would like to say my desire to serve and be part of a team started at an early age.

At the age of 14, I was part of the Al Kaf Marching Group, and we would perform throughout Ohio.

The drills included marching, saluting, and about face, which mirrors some of what I do now with the National Honor Guard.

My further inspiration to serve was my Uncle Wallace Dowdell, who served in the Army with so much pride, and I knew that was the direction my life would go.

My interest, however, led me to serve in the US. Navy, active duty 1980 through 1984, my duties were Physical Fitness Coordinator and Lithographer Mate. I continued Reserve Duty from 1984 through 2000, at which time I retired.

While in the Navy, I received the Good Conduct Award, and I also received the Combat Award for serving in the Iran Crisis. I was deployed for 3 Westpacks, which required travel to many places, including Iran, the Philippines, Australia, Africa, Guam, and Hawaii.

My career in Law Enforcement began in 1990 at the California Rehabilitation Center (CRC) in Norco, California, retiring after 24 years. During my career at CRC, my duties included inmate control in a dorm of 100 inmates, and I later became a Transportation Officer.

I received several Citations and awards throughout my career; I also received the Medal of Valor while serving 15 of my 24 years on the Special Emergency Response Team (SERT). While serving on SERT, I transported high-profile inmates to court, medical appointments, other institutions, and funeral services for their parents.

I later became an instructor, training staff on the correct procedure for applying restraint gear during inmate transportation.

While serving at CRC, I was a member of the Honor Guard Team. I did multiple duties, including supporting Families at Burial and Memorial Services of Fallen Officers, 21 Gun Salute, and the Folding and presenting of the flag to the Family under the direction of Lieutenant Tony Mosby. While serving on the Honor Guard Team with CRC, I was a part of CPO;F however, at the prompting of my Commander, I attended my first PROJECT 2000 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, in June of 2000.

While at the Convention, seeing all the Honor Guard Teams coming together to honor the Fallen Officers, this inspired me to want to be a part of something bigger. The National Honor Guard Team was created in 2008, and I was interested in becoming a member. However, I was not able to fully commit or fulfill all duties, so I didn’t apply until 2012, which was closer to my retirement.

I served in dual capacity on the CRC Honor Guard and the National Honor Guard for one year. I was promoted to Sergeant of the National Honor Guard Team on February 8, 2023, and I am still serving in that capacity.

Every tool or skill I learned during my career, I utilize today. Beginning with Physical Fitness, which prompted me to run my first marathon in 1986, vowing never to do it again.

40 years later, I have now participated in 55 marathons, including the 40th Anniversary of the LA Marathon, the place where I ran my first marathon.

In that same spirit of Teamwork and Service to others, I created the Howard Dowdell Legacy, which focuses on Physical Fitness, General Health, and well-being.

In closing, I want to let CPOF know what an honor it has been to serve. They stand behind their Mantra “Taking Care Of Our Own”.

Speaking from a personal aspect, I know this is true in how they have supported my family. I am so glad to be associated with and to be a part of this great organization, and to be able to do my part and give back.

Thank you for taking the time to get to know me.