OFFICER MARK D. DANIELS
BADGE 281*, ID 2235 & 9301*
SDPD 02/28/1977 - 03/13/1986
PENDING - 05/07/2026
THE THIN BLUE LINE
Mark Daniels passed away unexpectedly due to natural causes on May 7, 2026, at his home in Oxnard, California.
Mark attended the SDPD 87th Academy in 1977. During his nine years on the SDPD Mark worked at Central Patrol Division and Traffic Division. While at Traffic Division, Mark was assigned to the A.I.B. unit, and ultimately the motorcycle unit. Riding a police motorcycle was where Mark found his true calling as a law enforcement officer.
In March 1986, Mark resigned from the SDPD and was hired by the California Highway Patrol. He attended CHP Academy class CTC II-86 as a cadet and was promoted to Traffic Officer on August 8, 1986, and was assigned to the West Los Angeles office. After completing his field break-in training, Mark returned to the CHP Academy to attend motorcycle enforcement training. While assigned to the West Los Angeles office, Mark performed the duties of a motorcycle officer. He was also a Field Training Officer, Certified Motorcycle Training Officer, and a member of the CHP Southern Division’s Protective Services Detail.
In August 1989 Mark voluntarily transferred to the CHP Santa Barbara office and continued his duties as a motorcycle officer. While assigned to the Santa Barbara office Mark also served as a Physical Methods of Arrest training officer, range officer, a member of the CHP Coastal Division’s Protective Services Detail, and the Warrant Service Team. Mark retired from the CHP in December 2012 with over 26 years of service, all as a motorcycle officer.
Off duty, Mark enjoyed off-road motorcycle riding and racing. He competed numerous years in the motocross competition at the California Police Olympics, and the Baja 500 and 1000 mile off-road races, winning his respective class numerous times. He was also an avid surfer.
Mark was very proud of his time on the SDPD and the CHP. Cumulatively, he honorably served the citizens of California for over 35 years. Mark is survived by his sister, Lana Daniels Campbell, of Granbury, Texas. He was preceded in death by his father William Daniels, and mother Grace Daniels. Mark will be remembered for his dedication to officer safety training, his ear-to-ear grin, love for practical jokes, and never-ending sense of humor.
Basic information is provided as a courtesy and is obtained from a variety of sources including public data, museum files and or other mediums. While the San Diego Police Historical Association strives for accuracy, there can be issues beyond our control which renders us unable to attest to the veracity of what is presented. More specific information may be available if research is conducted. Research is done at a cost of $50 per hour with no assurances of the outcome. For additional info please contact us.
* Reserve Office 02/03/1976 - 02/28/1977
