For more than two decades, Daniel New has worn many hats— patrolman, chief, umpire, referee and most recently, school resource officer at Sallisaw Central. But no matter the title, his focus has always been on people.
New, 49, grew up in Webbers Falls after spending his early school years in Gore at the now-closed Carlisle School. A graduate of Webbers Falls High School, he went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Arkansas- Fort Smith before beginning a long career in law enforcement.
“I’ve been a patrolman, assistant chief and chief, so having a chance to start working at the school was different,” New said. “I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was used to driving around, and then I was just in a much smaller area.”
That change came in 2023, when Sequoyah County Undersheriff Charles House offered him the opportunity to serve as Sallisaw Central’s school resource officer. New said the role gave him a chance to stay active in law enforcement while working closely with students.
“They needed help and I have respect for Charles and Sheriff Larry Lane,” he said. “It was a good opportunity to help them while still staying in the law enforcement world.”
The new role fit New well, allowing him to blend his professional skills with his natural ability to connect with kids. He sees his work as not just keeping schools safe, but also being a positive role model.
When he’s not in uniform at school, many in Sequoyah County still recognize New—on the ball field or in the gym. A longtime umpire and referee, he’s officiated everything from state softball tournaments to local basketball games.
“It’s kind of a hobby for me,” New said. “Yeah, we get paid for it. But it’s a hobby, it’s fun.”
He says both law enforcement and officiating have introduced him to countless people across the area. And when he needs time for himself, there’s always fishing.
“Honestly, it’s relaxing,” he said. “If I had a bad day at work I can go and officiate a ball game. Same with fishing—it’s my down time.”
New, who has been married to his wife, Stephanie, for 12 years, is also a father to two daughters, Elyssa and Ella.
Through it all, Sequoyah County has always felt like home. New said he appreciates the way people treat him as though they’ve known him forever, whether he’s changing jobs or simply showing up at a new ball field.
“It’s like you’re family to them,” he said.
From protecting students to calling strikes, New has quietly built a life of service in the county. To the people who know him, he’s not just an officer or an umpire— he’s a neighbor, mentor and a friend.
