Arthur E. McDole

“It is with heavy heart that I report to you the loss of our very dear friend Art McDole,” says Lynn Diebold. “Art passed away on Wednesday afternoon [April 13] at Katherine Healthcare in Salinas California, exactly one month after suffering the first of two strokes.”

Arthur E. McDole, 93, suffered a stroke on March 16 at a dinner hosted by the Monterey County Peace Officers Association. McDole had retired as emergency communications director for Monterey County, Calif., after 41 years of service. He had an illustrious career in the county and with APCO, where he continued to serve as a volunteer frequency coordinator up until his death.

In a 2008 interview with Public Safety Communications, APCO Past President Craig Jorgensen said, “[Art] has always been a leader and worked to promote what he thought was best for the community. He has never wavered from his dedication to public safety. I would say his greatest attributes are his honesty, integrity and dedication.”

An authority in all radio, frequency and communications matters, McDole played an active role in public safety communications for more than 60 years. His influence extended far beyond the California community in which he lived, and he will be sorely missed.

A private burial will be held on Monday, April 18 for family, followed by a memorial service and celebration of life on May 14 at Northminster Presbyterian Church, 315 E. Alvin Drive in Salinas, Calif.

• View the Art McDole Historical Video: The Art of Communications.
• Visit the Art McDole, Public Safety Communications Legend website.
• Read a profile of Art McDole and long-time friend and AFC frequency co-coordinator Preston Thomson from April 2010.
• Read a profile of and interview with Art McDole conducted on the occasion of his 90th birthday in 2008.