A review of the old newspapers and other sources mention the following men who served as Miami police officers, from 1896 to 1921. At West Flagler and 12th Avenue, Officer Samuel J. Callaway, 50, was directing traffic when an auto ran the red light. Bob was appointed as a staff officer in the 1970's. He was now practically powerless, nearing the end of career, and was apparently attempting to squirrel away some cash for his retirement. Finally, the yeggmen, realizing they were now outnumbered, retreated to the nearby Seybold canal taking their wounded with them. (Author's personal knowledge). The eight men then ran into an open field. Zangara had previously lived at 138 Jersey Street in Patterson, and in Hackensack, New Jersey until he moved to Miami months ago. McCreary and Detective E.W. (2) No card playing in the police station. By the second half, I had calmed down and sat in Steeler owner Rooney's box for the remainder of the game. The stunned Driggers got to his feet and joined his comrades. City police arrested two white men and a negro, destroyed a 1,000 gallon capacity moonshine still and confiscated 18 jugs of whiskey in what Assistant Chief Forrest Nelson described as the biggest police still raid since prohibition. Officers George Spell and Burt Langdale were injured in a head on auto crash at SW 16 St and 27th Ave while running an emergency call behind an ambulance. During the Cuban exile CIA secret project to invade Cuba and dethrone the communist dictator, Fidel Castro, the MPD got involved, whether they wanted to or not. (#2). Five other men and one woman were not yet in custody. Huttoe remained at the same rank and will continue to earn $180 a month. The editor has obtained an original issue of this booklet from the granddaughter of deceased police Captain Barrick. He was also the building inspector, street superintendent, sanitary inspector and tax collector. He was quoted in the Miami Metropolis of April 23, 1915 "that they were good, hard working officers who only were drunk". The group would pay whistle blowers a reward of $25 to any police, sheriff, marshal or constable for the arrest and conviction of any violators of the liquor laws. Additional annexation will come about in 1925. (449 words), 154. Two additional officers, George Groner and Art Melonis, arrived and all four police battled the offender to get him under control. Ferguson, the current Chief with 97, L.E. Hamp retired after a great career that covered over 40 years in the MPD and later passed on. Chief 1913-1917. (Dr. Wilbanks' "Forgotten Heroes", 1996, ), Chief Rowland announced the promotion of Lt. Redman to Captain, and Dick Lemon and Ben Denby to Lieutenant. Abraham, a local car dealer, would decorate his home during Christmas season with Stathers keeping an eye out for the display when his night grew quiet. The raiding party consisted of Lt. Bryan, Dets. Before the completion of the trial, he robbed his own family and fled the state. (Dr Wilbanks, "Forgotten Heroes, 1996, Miami Herald and Miami News, both -9/29/1928). Roosevelt spoke for a few brief minutes and prepared to leave for the train depot. The judge sentenced Jacobs to 30 days in jail. During the period of 1958 into the mid 1960s, Miamis Mayor was Robert King High, a diminutive attorney who's passion appeared to be criticizing the Chief of Police, Walter Headley. One day I received a telephone call from a citizen. McCreary was the person who called Chief Quigg about the alleged pimping by H. Kier in 1925, which resulted in Kier being shot and killed by MPD detectives while they were running Kier out of town. After Gray's election and prior to the necessary ordinances being enacted for him to exercise his office, he replaced Puckett as the Dade deputy, when the former resigned and announced his intention to repair to Orange County. (Interesting story from one of our smartest MPD vets.) Officer Steve Collins had developed a real good C.I. 9105 NW 25th Street,
In 1935, while still on the Miami P.D., he fought Max Baer on Miami Beach, losing the decision. White officers had this Civil Service protection since 1921. (This friendly fire killing is described in detail in this chapter.) Other promotions noted were Forrest Nelson and M.E. This Good Samaritan police officer rushed to help her by pulling her dress down. Jackson, came on the scene. Lee to replace S.D. Miami passed an ordinance requiring boats to lower outrigger fishing poles while passing through bridges, thereby eliminating the necessity raising the bridges. In July of 1955, Miami police patrol officers switched from two-man patrol cars to one-man cars, doubling the number of zone cars to handle calls for service. City Manager Danner was fired by the city commission. The author could hardly believe how normal and calm Edwards's demeanor was while discussing the horrible crime. Coplin was one of the 113 men who survived the sinking that cost the lives of 1,177 US Navy sailors. Appointed in January 1908 for the holidays. Huttoe and Barker were both suspended by Chief Headley. 2/23/1938. They stated Quigg did the same earlier, when Communists were making the same type pitch. MURDER OF GABLES OFFICER WALT STATHERS. He entered the courtroom escorted by Dade Det. LIST OF PBA PRESIDENTS are contained in this chapter of the book. Tom Nazworth is now working as a prison guard in Climax, Georgia. On March 11, 1947, after another black officer was killed on duty, the Miami Commission gave black patrolmen civil service status after one year of satisfactory service, and in 1963, fully integrated in the police department. Parker should easily be visible to both motorists and pedestrians as he is six foot, ten and 1/2 inches tall, and weighs 210 lbs. His position was filled by new Lt. J. H. Nepper. Others hit were William Sinnott, a New York City police officer accompanying Roosevelt, Margaret Kruise, a New Jersey visitor, Russ Caldwell, Miami, and Miami Mayor R.G. Garrett had been living at the Imperial Hotel. All personnel were on a seven day week, with two weeks vacation in summer. Officer Patrick Howell Baldwin was killed in an auto accident yesterday. He was stationed on the USS Arizona in Hawaiis Pearl Harbor on Dec 7, 1941, during Japans strike against America. At this time the department's force consists of 14 police officers, 2 Sergeants and the Chief of Police. Miami Police Department Dial 911 for EMERGENCIES ONLY Miami Police Non-Emergency: (305) 579-6111 CrimeStoppers: (305) 471-TIPS (8477) Victims Advocate Services Unsolved Homicides Safe Place Initiative Chief of Police Manuel A. Morales Welcome to the Miami Police Department. A miamidade.gov profile allows you to link to your Water and Sewer customer account, as well as subscribe to a variety of news and alert services. The offender later recovered and was executed in 1941. At the same time, the geographical limits of Colored Town were expanded after much discussion as to whether to do this 'by custom' or by law. Miami officer Charles W. Potterton was shot through the lung, within two inches of his heart, Thursday night. Reeve had been hired in 1925 as the Chief of Detectives after serving nine years with the US Justice Department. Rolland Lane II, a rookie with only four months on the job, along with partner, 23 year old Fred Harris, had stopped three men for questioning in front of the Imperial Hotel on NW 8th Street. Campbell sped toward a burglary call. One of these has been the renovating of the headquarters office in the city hall. Steve later became a professor at a western North Carolina college. It had been said that he lost much of his savings at the Miami horse and dog tracks. William Driggers and Bob Johns. A resident sent a riot call to headquarters as the shooting continued. During mid-1925, Miami city administrators brought in police experts from New Orleans to assist in overhauling the organizational structure of the Miami Police. "The MPD escorted the cortge with motorcycles and marching men. The two had been aroused from slumber by the pistol and rifle fire. Actually it was 2:47AM when the phone rang at the Chief Harms' household. RoyPottroff. Nolle, watching TV with his wife and niece, heard a noise at the front of the house and looked out the door. The NFL called a mid-field meeting before the coin toss to discuss possible crowd (80,000 plus) evacuation in case of chaos (bombs, etc) in the stands during the game. Whitlock also opened fire as did Deputy Brown and Officer Smith, forcing the gunmen to retreat. (This chapter describes in detail the alleged brutality case against several officers and quotes the testimony of the Chief of Police that he was the head of the Ku Klux Klan in Miami from 1924 to 1930, at which time he was appointed as Public Safety Director, in charge of both the fire and police departments. June 23rd -Desk Sgt John Phillips was demoted for failure to take action on a report that a citizen was contemplating suicide. At the next two council meetings, Mayor Sewell and Chief Hardee recommended the following permanent police officers to be hired. At the time of her passing, she was the oldest pensioner in the Miami system. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Negro officer John English was thrown through a plate glass window at a NW 2nd Ave restaurant while investigating a bill-skip. Scott and Harry Bushman arrived at scene on Oak Avenue just inside of Miami City limits and were jumped by the offender. The investigating officer was homicide Detective A. N. Clark and the Police Chief at this time was John B. Rowland. The motorcycle policeman had instructions to arrest anyone who exceeded the new 12 mph speed limit. Coral Gables Officer Homer Barton was shot in May 1938 by a crazy drunk with a shotgun while trying to serve a warrant. Wilkerson by many donuts. The gun discharged while the couple was playing with the firearm. That conviction was later overturned by the Federal District Court due to Garrett being held for an unreasonable period prior to trial. Bowles, who mistook Scott for a prowler. Quigg let it be known that the policy of 'liberality' would return to the gambling scene in Miami. Stiles in addition to Crews and Pat Baldwin. linked sites. Redman, from assistant traffic director to Captain of Uniform Division. Barker became Chief of Detectives replacing Asst. There were numerous complaints of vehicles speeding on Biscayne Drive, causing accidents and problems. Zangara was immediately pounced on by citizens in the crowd in addition to Miami police officers Arthur Clark, Ray Jackson, Red Crews and Fitzhugh Lee, all on duty in the park under the command of Captain Nelson. Gray served three one-year terms before moving back to becoming a farmer in the town of Union, Spaulding County, in west-central Georgia. (MPD records). (451 words), 180. Charles W. ReynoldsDirector - Dr. Vince SkillingPast President & Director - Phil Doherty, Book may be obtained from Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, or from the publisher, Xlibris.com, (IT IS INTENDED THAT STORIES AND EVENTS WILL BE ADDED TO THIS PUBLIC WEBSITE HISTORY IN THE FUTURE. Detective Haworth had served with the Miami-Dade Police Department for 23 years. Miami Police Lt. William Curry had passed by the building just prior to the explosion that caused considerable damage. Currently, there are two MDPD Lieutenants, six MDPD Sergeants, 26 MDPD Detectives, and one Municipal Detective (from Miami Police Department and Miami Beach Police Department) assigned to the permanent countywide multi-agency robbery suppression effort. Gray, Young G.- First Marshall of Miami in 1896. As a result of the uproar caused by the arrest and later acquittal of Chief Quigg for murder, the city appointed a new Public Safety Director and a new Chief of Police. Emergency. (596 words). Grateful members of the Jewish community in the Miami area, in appreciation for Plumacher's super work, paid for him to finish his college education. The story of the funeral and the KKK's participation was detailed in Dr. William Wilbanks's book, "Forgotten Heroes, Police Officers Killed in Dade County". Parker joined with another huge MPD officer handling traffic in the downtown area, Frank Leavitt. 9105 NW 25th St.Doral, FL 33172Phone: 305-471-2350Fax: 305-471-2376Email:[emailprotected]Chief: Arnold Palmer. Police found his body on the sidewalk near 349 NW 8th St. Police said Holbert had been shot three times by unknown persons. The shoe was then put on the other foot as Capone was then charged with perjury for lying about the circumstances of the above arrest. A photo accompanied the story. (MPD records). Lane ran back through the hotel in an attempt to intercept him. The author was fortunate to have toiled with many honest, intelligent and professional officers. )(331 words). Frye and T.L. )(2,923 words). Bunch were arresting a masked Royal Castle robber downtown when the suspect pulled a gun on Officer Bunch. Wever spotted their auto while responding to a burglary at NW 7th Avenue and 8th street. L.G. He would often be assigned as acting Chief of Police when Chief Headley was out of town. He followed the Pontiac to NW 2nd Street and pulled the car over as two other police cars arrived. The Story. The offender, Edward Litchfield, swerved into Brantley catching his motor on the car and dragging the officer down the road. When I finished writing the story, I was free from the denial that hid it from my conscious mind. Homicide detectives Ernie Bush and A.J.McLaughlin investigated and charged MPD Officer Harold Mitchell, 33, for aggravated assault. Miami District Justice of the Peace, Ferguson, arranged quickly for a court stenographer and Zangara freely spoke about the crime, albeit in broken English, admitting that he had intended to shoot Roosevelt but the woman next to him pulled on his arm, diverting his aim of the gun that he had paid eight dollars for in a North Miami Ave gun shop three days previously. He rejoined the MPD in 1946 serving in the Accident Unit, often with partner Bill Pumphrey, until his death. (Anne) McCormack, of Licking, Missouri and a brother, John McCormack of Miami. Willie Garrett, 26, an ex-con with a long record linked to the Black Panther Party, was taken off an airplane several hours later in Orlando as he headed for New York, still in possession of the gun used to kill the officer. Also this month, a 21 year old volunteer city fire fighter, John Thompson, was killed when his fire truck flipped over en route to a call just north of town. Even Detective Chief Scarboro himself, arrested a bookmaker. He purchased, under the name of his wife Rose, a home on a small island between Miami and Miami Beach and would spend many of the winter months partying and relaxing in the sun. Upon arrival of all available men in the motorcycle and automobile divisions the yeggmen deserted the safe and fled to the nearby canal where they disappeared in the darkness. In other news, the Mayor ordered the Police Chief to dispatch a police officer to each fire to handle the traffic and crowds at the scenes. ), PO Box 291121 Port Orange Fl 32129All Rights Reserved. Det. After the death of Miami-Dade Police Det. A month later McCarthy issued an order to round up all known criminals and bring them into the police station for questioning (We could do that then). (This chapter describes details of organizing the M.P.D. John Manny charged that Safety Director Reynolds had a secret contract with the City that he (Reynolds) would be put back into his old job as Commander of the Motor Squad if he got bounced from Safety Directors job. On November 8, 1907, Chief Hardee announced a change in police beats for the city. The money, used for instructing recruits, was counterfeit. Mr. McGill was charged with reckless driving. In June of 1969, a DC-4 aircraft, belonging to Dominica Air Lines, with an engine afire, crashed onto busy NW 36 St . The headlines read, "This is what happens to pickpockets in Miami". The crowd shouted Kill that man. Litchfield in now in the hospital and is not expected to live. He also fired Desk Sergeant C.A. for information. When he got close enough, the skinniest policeman met him with a straight right that knocked him unconscious. Tom advised, "Your partner, Joe Catell, handled it for you and the bad guy got 60 days in the stockade. A year later, Sullivan and his wife was indicated for income tax evasion. June 18th- Detective Frank Mitchell was fined $250 for hitting a former decorated officer, Norman Franks, breaking his jaw. Miami detectives had received a tip earlier in the week that safecrackers might soon target the credit union in this building. (This chapter describes one method the police department kept the streets clear of drunks and vagrants.) (MPD Records, Personal note-MPD relative), The Great Depression took a toll on the MPD forcing the layoffs of 12 officers in 1929 for budgetary reasons. In April of 1932, he resided at 20 NE 17th Street in Miami. Carroll, Albert, Appointed Dec 1905 as unpaid special. Det. The motorcycle officer was to issue tickets to anyone exceeding the 12 miles per hour limit, the law at the time. (St. Petersburg (FL) Times- 2/28/1939), Mayor Williams was recalled in the city election along with two other commissioners. After the murder, the hired thug dropped the bag and the silencer slid out of its slot and was recovered by investigating authorities. Attending was City Mgr. Our first stop on the afternoon shift was at Jeff's Bar, W. Flagler St and 12th Avenue. He had only $43 on his person when arrested and $200 in a New Jersey postal account. Headquarters for the MPD was supposed to be on one of the upper floors but the City Manager advised that the police department needed to be on the street level. Guy Bradford and Off. The FBI's J. Edgar Hoover and the US Secret Service looked into possible motives of Zangara for the shooting spree. And E.V. August 24th -New uniforms were issued to all uniformed MPD officers. C. O. Huttoe was removed from Vice Squad as a result of pressure from Mayor Williams. Officer Brubaker is buried in Miami's Woodlawn Cemetery. Glisson won the donut and sinker contest at the station house by consuming 48 donuts and two quarts of coffee, defeating Lt McCarthy and G.S. Looking up, I saw a citizen pointing up to the East Side of the Court House. MPD Officer Willie (Big Nick) Nicholson, 35, working both on and off duty for three weeks, solved the murder of a bolita operator, Beatrice Dunaway, who was killed during a bolita counting house robbery. The chief and the new public safety director, would be appointed by the city manager, and police officers would fall under civil service guidelines. Shortly into his poetry presentation to a small crowd, a Miami City official, Mannie Costa, upset with the profanity laced offerings of Ginsburg, cut the power to the microphone. Crews sitting on MPD motorcycle. The Grand Jury made reports on the situation and the newspapers ran stories often. Miami-Dade Police Department Forrest Nelson, Capt. At the time of its municipal birth in 1896, Miami was just one of the small sparsely populated settlements of Dade County, with most of the city's inhabitants living in what is presently the downtown Miami business area, primarily on the north side of the Miami River. (Miami News-5/2/1942). Following meetings with Stanley Ray, a public safety commissioner of New Orleans and Chief Quigg, the following promotions were announced: - Chief of Detectives Forrest Nelson was promoted to Assistant Chief of Police. Detective Lieutenant C.O. The investigation was led by Detective Bob Utes and his supervisor, Lt. Bill McClure. The City Commission grants police officers the six day week, down from the previous seven day week. At 945 PM in the evening, Roosevelt arrived at Pier #1 near downtown Miami, greeted by a crowd of dignitaries and driven to a well lit Bay Front Park along Miamis Biscayne Boulevard. As I was completing this book, Chief Mike Exposito, a 37-year MPD veteran (and a true professional) was confiscating illegal video poker machines and arresting the owners. Lavender, a cook employed by Gray to prepare meals for prisoners, was arrested for stealing Marshall Gray's shoes, hat and revolver, for which he was sentenced to 60 days confinement. In December of 1933, Constable John Dickson was killed by an offender. While patrolling the South End on an evening shift, I stopped a driver for a noisy exhaust.' The newspaper reporter and camera man took a photo of the beaten up pickpocket and put it on the front page of the next day's newspaper. A sensational million and a half Brinks robbery in Boston last week had a Miami connection today. (Miami News-1/31/1930), 7/22/1931 - Chief Hardy Bryan promotes three officers to the position of Traffic Sergeant. One the same date, Officer Frank McDade, Gordon McDade and Harry Lee were allegedly drunk on duty and the Council asked for a hearing. Rogers, J.W. One day a woman was walking next to the Dupont Building, known for its swirling winds. He was rushed to a Miami hospital, but never regained consciousness, and died on October 15th, 1931. The officer never regained consciousness and died four days later, on September 24th, at Jackson Memorial Hospital. Manny also charged that Mayor Orr put pressure on the MPD to promote C.O. (220 words), Due to so many young men entering the military during World War Two, the age hiring standards for the Miami PD was being temporarily relaxed in order to keep the force intact. He was ordered by the commission to never drink again. Detective Castillo succumbed to his wounds at the scene. A possible 26 (Burglary) goes out to an old structure that sat north of the 4-Ambassadors hotel at Brickell & 8. Non-emergencies, dial 305-4-POLICE (765423). Wilson was being held at the jail pending the preparation of insanity papers after his arrest the previous day. Harry is past 90 yrs now and still acts like the Energizer bunny. In 1917, the department numbered 20 officers and a new chief, Raymond F. Dillon, 34, was elected and served from November 1917 to August of 1921. Hardie built the fire department from scratch and was very well regarded for his energy and efficiency. An informant advised John Heywood, a MPD detective, that a 19 year old street tough from Coconut Grove tried selling him the gun. He provided details to police that convinced them that he was being truthful and his palm print matched. (1942). Forrest Nelson, Ed Melchen, Lt Finch Cochran and Lt McCarthy. Coconut Grove merchants demanded that a police review committee of consisting of Asst. Ferguson was fined $5 in court for actions stemming from a public dispute with Officers Mattison P. Merritt and Wm. Bill Berger is currently the U.S Marshall for Florida and Ray Martinez is the Chief of Miami Beach PD. Note: No reason was stated in the news reports on why McCarthy stepped down. The identity of the driver of the car that ran the red light was never identified and the death was ruled unavoidable. Miami-Dade Police Department 9105 NW 25th St. Doral, FL 33172 Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. For emergencies, call 911. Captain Homer Redman was appointed Acting Chief by the City Manager, while Chief Quigg was on vacation for five days, bypassing the departments number two leader, Inspector Forest Nelson. Simpson and J.D. Detective Chief Guy Reeve, at 7AM Monday, notified all physicians and hospitals in Miami to hold any coming to them for treatment of gunshot wounds.