Beyond the badge By Kaitlyn Donivan

My father, Matt Donivan, is a police officer. This project depicts his life outside the uniform.

For 25 years, Matt Donivan served his community as a police officer. His father was a police officer before him and so was his grandfather. For Matt, it is his core values of service and generosity that propelled him into his career. Protecting his family and all the people he loves is at the top of his priority list. Wearing the badge is a privilege, one he knows many individuals abuse. He dedicated his service to combatting those "bullies" and standing up for the voiceless.

His desire to serve goes even further with the sacrifice he made for his country before he became a police officer. Matt actively served for four years as a crew chief. During his career, he declined interviews and a cameo in the TV show "Cops" because "it's not about the glory". He is a man with dreams of flying, yet his feet are set firmly on the ground.

Capturing Veterans in Everyday Life

Riverside Sheriff's Department Sergeant Matt Donivan and his wife, Linda Donivan share a kiss at the Field of Honor in Murrieta, Calif., on Veteran's Day.

Donivan lets his wife and daughter Annalise Donivan have some kettle corn while they wait for the annual Veteran’s Day Parade to start.

Donivan listens to the familiar thunder of jet engines as they fly over Murrieta’s Town Square.

I don't even have to see the planes. I just need to hear them," Donivan said.
Donivan helps Linda in the kitchen by preparing appetizers and setting out painting supplies for Annalise's birthday party.
Donivan hangs a pinata for the kids to swing at. He controls the pinata and lets some kids become a little overeager in their attempts to smash it.
I love the look on their faces when some kid gets a big hit and it cracks,” he said. “I know its only one swing per kid, but they won’t remember who got to swing and who didn’t after they eat all that candy.”
Donivan makes his way around the backyard to inspect everyone’s paintings and make a good-humored joke or two.
Donivan has always been the default turkey carver during Thanksgiving.
Donivan listens to his brother-in-law Johnny Kassab. He says most people can uphold their end of the conversation without him saying a word.
Donivan talking to his parents Chuck and Claire on the phone after church.
Donivan passes down his traits as those before him did, but he wouldn’t mind if his daughters chose differently than him.
I wanted to go into the family business and help people who can’t help themselves, especially against bullies. Can’t stand them.”
Opportunities for Veterans