The new Acting Marshal of the Cherokee Nation, Daniel Mead, was sworn into office by Cherokee Nation Justice Shawna Baker Monday during a public ceremony at the W.W. Keeler Tribal Complex.
Mead was named “Acting Marshal Designate” by Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. to start January 1, after Marshal Shannon Buhl announced his retirement to consult the tribe on security matters for Cherokee Nation Businesses.
Mead, 45, of Tahlequah is an 18-year veteran of the department. Mead began his career with the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service (CNMS) as a Deputy Marshal in 2006. He previously held the rank of Lieutenant.
“He meets not only the minimum qualifications,” Chief Hoskin said during the ceremony. “This is a man who has served his country in the United States military as a decorated combat Marine. We don’t have to guess whether Daniel Mead will stand up for our Cherokee people when there is a need to put himself on the line. He’s done it—not only serving his country, but serving the tribe in the Marshal Service has tested him and tempered him and made him ready for this moment.”
Under Cherokee law, Acting Marshal Mead may serve for up to one year before Chief Hoskin must send a nominee to the Council of the Cherokee Nation.
“We stand before Marshal Mead to support him and everything that he does. We want to make sure that he gets the best support that he can from us,” said Deputy Principal Chief Bryan Warner.
Mead was trained at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center and holds a de-gree in Sociology from Connors State College. He holds numerous law enforcement training certifications, including a sniper instructor certification.
Mead has received numerous awards and commendations during his time at CNMS, including Meritorious Service Awards and the Legion of Merit Award.
A Marine Corps Veteran, Mead led an AVC in Mobile Strike Team II in combat operations in Iraq, achieving the rank of Sergeant. His Marine Corps awards include the Operation Iraqi Freedom Campaign Ribbon and Combat Action Ribbon.
“I am honored and very proud to have been selected to lead this group of men and women that serve the Cherokee Nation,” Acting Marshal Mead said.
Marshal of the Cherokee Nation is a member of the tribe’s executive branch, led by the Principal Chief. Under the Cherokee Nation Constitution, the Marshal is nominated by the Principal Chief and confirmed by the Council to serve a five-year term.
As Acting Marshal, Mead has the full authority of the job and will serve as a member of the Chief ’s cabinet. Under Cherokee Nation law, Mead may serve as Acting Marshal for a period not to exceed one year, after which Chief Hoskin must send nominees to council for consideration to serve out former Marshal Buhl’s unexpired term.
Chief Hoskin said he would conduct a wide search for a nominee for the position and that Acting Marshal Mead would be among the candidates.
“I have confidence in Daniel’s leadership abilities and his past dedication to the Marshal Service has been exemplary,” said Cherokee Nation Speaker of the Council Mike Shambaugh.
The Cherokee Nation Marshal leads an agency with law enforcement responsibility over the 7,000 square mile Cherokee Nation Reservation. Cherokee Nation has exclusive tribal law enforcement authority over the reservation, as well as cross deputization agreements with more than 100 law enforcement agencies operating within its reservation.
“The Marshal of the Cherokee Nation represented in the 19th century and represents today something special and important, which is that the Cherokee people can govern their own affairs. We can take care of each other. We can hold each other accountable,” Chief Hoskin added. “Today, in the post-McGirt era, the responsibilities of the Marshal Service have grown exponentially.”
