Do you recognize this guy??
You might have seen him in a popular video that is circulating of a police officer buying a gentleman a new coat and snow pants. This video demonstrates what a BlueBridge interaction looks like.
We’re excited to introduce to you, Sergeant Dan McNamara. He is a third-generation law enforcement professional with nearly 30 years of extensive experience spanning municipal, federal, and military service. His career began in 1996 following five years of active duty as a U.S. Navy Naval Aircrewman. After seven years with the Des Moines, Iowa Police Department, he spent over a decade as a Federal Special Agent and supervisor in the Pacific Northwest. Driven by a desire for specialized field work, he returned to municipal policing in 2016. Since joining the Redmond Police Department, he has served as a Traffic Officer, K9 Handler, and Corporal, and currently serves as a Patrol Sergeant. He is also a key participant in the BlueBridge Alliance since August of 2025.
Sergeant McNamara’s BlueBridge uses have always stood out to us, due to the fact that he always takes a holistic approach to every call for service, investigation, and/or interaction with those he serves. “Bluebridge provides an immediate force multiplier in providing premier community policing services. Being able to change behavior, hold accountability, and still provide immediate resources in the form of human essentials is a game changer. Every single call for service my team responds to, we always triage how Bluebridge can be utilized to reach the absolute best outcome.”
While he is a champion BlueBridge user, he is also a bit of a father figure for his team of officers. His favorite part about being an officer is that he is in the “absolute best position in law enforcement…a patrol Sergeant with an amazing team of young officers. “I truly enjoy coaching, mentoring, and transforming how young officers approach complex challenges in our community.”
It’s not a stretch to say that this profession comes a bit naturally to him. He was born into the law enforcement world being a 3rd generation police officer. “I have photos of me wearing a police hat in diapers and riding a police K9,” says Sergeant McNamara.
We are so lucky to have someone who is looked up to in their department and community using our program. Besides the viral BlueBridge use of his, he has used BlueBridge in many other ways to help community members in a way that wouldn’t have been obtainable prior. One being a welfare check on a woman fleeing a volatile domestic situation, the Sergeant’s team discovered her hiding in her vehicle without food, fuel, or funds. Through the BlueBridge program, they provided her with a hot meal and a full tank of gas before successfully coordinating her placement in a local women’s shelter.
We can’t thank Sergeant McNamara and his team enough for their positive impact in the Redmond community. We are so grateful that they are using our program and that we get to shine a light on what they do in the community.
Lastly, a message from Sergeant Dan McNamara: “By donating to Bluebridge Alliance, you are providing an incredible resource to the community police mission and forging a positive bond between law enforcement and those we serve. Each use of the card fosters hope in a world filled with challenges.”
To donate directly to Redmond PD’s fund: https://bluebridgealliance.org/redmondwapd
For general donations to BlueBridge Alliance: https://bluebridgealliance.org/donate
How do Redmond Police officers use BlueBridge Alliance funds in the field? Officers use the program as an immediate “force multiplier” to provide human essentials during crisis calls. For example, Sergeant McNamara’s team recently used funds to provide fuel and food for a domestic violence survivor and winter clothing for an unhoused individual during a viral welfare check.
Why is the BlueBridge Alliance program important for community policing? It allows officers to bridge the gap between “duty” and “empathy” by providing resources that change behavior and build trust on the spot. It also relieves the personal financial burden on officers, who previously used their own family funds to buy formula or food for those in need.
How does BlueBridge impact the morale of the police department? Sergeant McNamara notes that these acts of kindness provide a sense of hope that balances out the traumatic events officers frequently witness. It also serves as a vital tool for veteran officers to mentor younger recruits in “coaching, mentoring, and transforming” how they approach community challenges.
Where do the donations for BlueBridge Alliance go? Donations go directly toward forging a positive bond between law enforcement and the community by providing resources for the community police mission. These funds are used at the officer’s discretion to reach the best possible outcome for citizens in crisis.