One Hazelwood, One Mission: Officer Daymon McGhee Recognized for His Dedication

For nearly two decades, Officer Daymon McGhee has been a familiar and trusted presence throughout the Hazelwood School District. From directing traffic and supporting school safety to building meaningful relationships with generations of students and families, McGhee has made service to Hazelwood central to his life.

The Missouri Legislative Black Caucus recently recognized that commitment, honoring McGhee for his years of dedicated service to the Hazelwood community.

For McGhee, the recognition was meaningful—but it has never been the reason he has shown up. "I'm always working," he said. "Even when staff wants to speak and socialize, I might cut a conversation off. Because I'm not too busy to do traffic alongside the security team."

That attitude captures much of what colleagues and community members value about McGhee: a willingness to do whatever is needed to keep students, staff and families safe.

McGhee's connection to Hazelwood began long before he became an officer. A graduate of Hazelwood East, he remembers being known simply as "Damo" by the teachers, coaches and district employees who helped shape his life.

His connection to the district eventually became both professional and personal. He began working for Hazelwood after an encounter with former supervisor George "Rocky" Mason, who encouraged him to bring his experience and passion for working with young people to the district.

McGhee took that opportunity and never looked back. "I love the district. I love the kids," he said. "And I was able to fit in so well."

Today, Hazelwood remains a family affair. McGhee has five children, most of whom have attended Hazelwood schools, and his wife also works for the district.

"I'm a Hazelwood alumnus," McGhee said. "But I'm here. I love Hazelwood. And I love everything about it. And I love the community. And I love the kids and the people that work here."

McGhee credits community advocates such as Missouri Black Caucus Executive Director Cheryl Dozier, along with teachers, principals, administrators and board members, for helping make the recognition possible.

He believes people who consistently give back to the community deserve support and celebration.

His own approach to service is straightforward: show up, work hard and help wherever he is needed. "I love being safe," McGhee said. "And people love being safe. They feel safe around me."

That sense of trust has extended far beyond his daily responsibilities. Former students who are now adults still approach McGhee when their own children enter the district. "When they have kids come to the district, they find me and say, 'My kid is at this school. Can you watch out for him as you did me?'" he shared.

For McGhee, those moments are among the greatest rewards of his career. "That gives me a smile and just an inner joy that you can't replace."

McGhee believes leadership begins with understanding the work you are responsible for. After nearly 20 years in school safety, he has developed a deep understanding of Hazelwood's needs. "To be a great leader, you have to understand the foundation of what you're trying to lead in," he explained.

But experience alone isn't enough. McGhee believes leaders must also be willing to evolve. "The hardest part about being a leader is change," he said. "We've got to adapt to change."

That philosophy extends to his advice for the people who work alongside him. He encourages them to be punctual, dependable and reliable—and to approach their work with a positive attitude. "I do everything with a smile. Do everything with a laugh," McGhee said. "I make it look like the worst thing I'm doing is fun to do."

Most importantly, he encourages others to find purpose in their work. "And I love what I do. And if you don't love what you do, don't do it at all."

McGhee isn't finished serving Hazelwood. His long-term professional goal is to become the district's director of security, a position he hopes will let him use his experience across the district to strengthen safety throughout the community. "I've been planning a path. I've been working real hard," he said. "I know everything about every part of Hazelwood."

But his vision for the future goes beyond his own career. McGhee hopes to see students graduate, build successful lives and eventually return to Hazelwood to serve the next generation—as teachers, principals, security officers, custodians, cafeteria workers or in other roles.

His goal is to help create a cycle of service that keeps the community strong.

For nearly 20 years, Officer Daymon McGhee has done more than help keep Hazelwood schools safe. He has built relationships, supported families, encouraged students, and demonstrated what it means to serve a community.

In closing, McGhee offered a message that perhaps best captures the spirit behind his years of service: "Let's love each other." He continued, encouraging everyone to treat others with kindness and respect.

His recognition by the Missouri Legislative Black Caucus celebrates not just the years he has spent in Hazelwood, but the impact he has made.