Chief H. Leslie Quigg was suspended b y City Manager Curry on nine charges of ineffective law enforcement and failure to obey orders. The next thirty seconds were harrowing as Bob shot two of the gunmen, one between the eyes, and cornered a third one at great risk to himself. The corrupt elected commissioners (not all) led by Mayor Williams, fired Chief Rowland. He had been a detective in the Miami P.D. Waters, William Meredith, Arnold Albury, W.B. One spot check found a window open but no burglars, causing the detectives to commence a stake-out at the building. Leavitt joined the Army in WWI at age 14 and also served in WW2. (Dr Wilbanks' "Forgotten Heroes", 1996 & Miami News- 7-2/16 & 2/17/1951). I recalled that a fellow motorman who was assigned in a far North end zone, resided with his wife in my area. In an Emergency or to report suspicious activity 911 | To report a crime or non-emergency 602-262-6151 | Silent Witness 480-WITNESS . (Story concerning the 1969 plane crash by one of the officers on the scene.). Served three terms, stepping down in 1911. Pomerleau's stormy term ended in February of 1964 with his resignation. Several years ago our Vice President, Harvey Bach, proposed awarding funds toward college scholarships for the children and grandchildren of our Miami Police Veterans Association members. Tom woke me about ten o'clock after all the nightshift cases were completed. (Miami News-10/3/1950). He served as Chief of Police during three separate periods, extending into the 1940's, then served as a City Commissioner and later as Dock Master. Rumors were circulating that the big crooks from up north were going to make a move on the hotels and clubs in Miami, forcing the owners to 'hire' them to protect the clubs, a scheme to take over the profits of the establishments during the upcoming busy tourist season. A stockade fence was erected to shield the gallows from the street. Also, in August of 1952, Detective Lt C. O .Huttoe was given a five demerit reprimand by Chief Headley by participating in a gambling raid conducted by Dade County detectives. (This chapter tells the scary story of a homeowner shooting at an officer. The pistol match team from MPD had the reputation during this era of being one of the finest in the country. (This chapter highlights some of the problems that alcohol causes in enforcing the law.) Clinton had run for City Commissioner in 1937 and was fired for becoming involved in politics. The former Marine, wounded in France in World War I, has been a MPD officer since 1921 when he joined after a short stint as a Washington D.C. officer. 22nd Ave and 23 Street, by a close friend as the two were in the process of shooting the friend's sick dog. 4/8/1938. Patrol officers Joe Miguel and J.P. During the early morning roundup, a E.L. Smith, was arrested an hour after the shootout by motor officers, Sgt. Capone's attorney's responded by appealing to federal judge Ritter for a restraining order against the department to prevent MPD for arresting Capone without a warrant. In May of 1950, a police precinct was established at 480 NW 11 Street to provide a station house for black policemen and a courtroom for black judges in which to adjudicate black defendants. Detective Paul Nichols, Detectives Eddie Edmonds, Burt Whittle and W.E. Additional annexation will come about in 1925. Wever spotted their auto while responding to a burglary at NW 7th Avenue and 8th street. C.O.Huttoe, who was Vice Squad commander during most of 1940 and 41, seemed bent on embarrassing Chief Quigg. One glaring example of the 'secrecy' involved in the planned raid was the existence of an open Cuban exile recruiting station at West Flagler Street and 11th Ave. One would think that it was a new Blockbuster store or the like, with a line stretching down Flagler Street every day. Wm. Sheriff Jimmy Sullivan, a former MPD officer, was indicted by the Grand Jury in Dade for aiding racketeers from the S. & G. syndicate. The Desk Sgt will inspect the officers daily to see that they are neat and clean and that their firearms are in working order. (This chapter describes details of organizing the M.P.D. (271 words). (Sad story in this chapter about the death of the entire contingent of MPD police horses.) Whitman, William J. Starling, W.B. Crews. (395 words), (School Superintendent nailed for building home with materials paid for by the school department. 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. This is the first photo of that patch (worn until 1964) that was found. We had a dilemma. His new movie opened in Miami and all Miami police officers were invited to view the flick. On Dec 17, 1968, Barbara Jane Mackle, 20, daughter of Robert Mackle, wealthy Coral Gables based Florida land developer, was kidnapped .. (An interesting story on MPDs involvement in the Mackle kidnapping case.) The MPD Pistol Team is participating in the Flamingo Open pistol match. The effort did bring some economic stimulus to the area as it seemed all of the persons questioned had brand new cash in their pocket. He was survived by his wife Vera and was buried in his home town of Carrolton, Georgia. Wood and Rhymer were acquitted but Nazworth was convicted and fined $250. Also, a former officer named Stenhouse, who had served as Chief Quiggs secretary, was killed by a female acquaintance. Wow- I was a bit nervous during the first half thinking about a worst-case scenarios. Officer LaFleur and his partner, E.B. The conclusion of both agencies was similar; that Zangara, an uneducated proponent of anarchy, operated alone in this crime. Wiggins said he would be the first to crash into the compartment, station that he was the oldest, with grown children while the other three had young kiddies to worry about The other three tossed a coin to see who would be Wiggins back up. The investigating officer was homicide Detective A. N. Clark and the Police Chief at this time was John B. Rowland. Officers are to carry themselves in a military manner with their hat in proper position. Andrews in his bare feet, wearing a bathrobe and pajamas. Chesser, who had attempted to question Hepburn about a package he was carrying. August 29th -The Chief continues instilling discipline in the force. Wilson died at the hospital. Their vehicle went out of control and struck on on-coming auto head on. Redman, from assistant traffic director to Captain of Uniform Division. He immediately assigns one police officer to each school in the city. The gang, thought to be from Hollywood, escaped. 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. MPD Officer, Dirk Schel, 30, was patrolling Zone 12, through the Farmer's Market area, NW 12th Ave and 22 St, on September 27, 1962, searching for two black male bandits who had just committed an Armed Robbery at Neville's Swap Shop, 2156 NW 7 Ave, Miami. Sgt Wever, the commanding officer of the 20-man Motor Squad, was a four year veteran of the MPD. Raul Iglesias' first day on the police. The local newspapers labeled the thefts the "Bra Conspiracy", as several female employees of Southern Bell was caught stuffing their bras full of coins at the end of each shift. The two in custody answered that they came to Miami a week ago to pull the job and had been survailing the Saunders store for two days. Actually it was 2:47AM when the phone rang at the Chief Harms' household. Chief Quigg appoints Grace Tamasy to the position of policewoman in the MPD. The following story is how one call - yes, just one call - affected one officer for decades after his service. Officer John Westmoreland was Bowles partner. (Miami Metropolis/News-10/6/1905, & -11/18/1905). Lt William B. Curry assumes the office and duties of the Chief of Police this morning, succeeding William J. Whitman, who resigned last week after having been subjected to a long period of public criticism because of the lack of efficiency in the police department under his direction. The other four men were carrying a small safe which had been removed from a larger safe in the store office. They had been on a Florida crime spree when the encounter with Sgt Wever occurred. Burrell,. MURDER OF GABLES OFFICER WALT STATHERS. About 1967, while I was a Task Force supervisor, a complaint was received from Chief Denham's office relative to customers of the T&D Drive Inn on NE 79th Street receiving an enormous number of chicken s---t tickets from Task Force officers, as the customers exited the restaurant. He rejoined the MPD in 1946 serving in the Accident Unit, often with partner Bill Pumphrey, until his death. The investigation indicated that Nolle was wounded by shots from a 20 gauge shotgun at 9:25PM and his life was saved by ducking just in time, according to Det. A resident sent a riot call to headquarters as the shooting continued. Rose, Marshall Campbell and Forest Nelson. It is not known how long Maloney was on the department but we will wager that he did not have any difficulty with the tough guys down on Flagler Street while directing traffic. The MPD also hires civilian crime scene investigators (CSIs). After the death of Miami-Dade Police Det. Others also served. The Miami Retirement Board, in December of that year reported Brock suffered general muscular weakness, lack of coordination in walking and neurological damage. A squad from the station was summoned to surround the house, then breaking down the door to arrest the suspect. We hear much these days of PTSD in the military and how the battles affect the soldiers for years after they end their service. He was fired of course, but did not go to jail. Many residents of the area were asked (and complied) to take a polygraph test. (1,090 words), (Thirty-seven year old Bill Craig, a 14 year veteran Miami police motorcycle officer was struck by a drunk driver on South Dixie in early morning rush hour traffic on March 19, 1988.He died 3 months later. Jackson, came on the scene. In March of 1934, Jim joined the Miami Police department and was assigned to Traffic duty. (Jack) Clinton was suspended but then sued to regain his job. The F.E.C. The service was held in the First Baptist Church at NE 1st Ave and 5th Street, with 5,000 persons attending. The bullet passed through his foot and shoe but did not strike a bone. Ray Dillon, recently elected in June, will assume the Chief's job on Nov 1st. Miami, FL - Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD) Detective Cesar "Echy" Echaverry died in the line of duty on Wednesday after being shot in the head while trying to apprehend an armed robbery suspect two days earlier. 8351 W. Cinnabar Ave. Peoria, AZ 85345. (Miami News-, 1940-41). While waiting for roll call one day, one of the motor officers, Howard Shaw, egged on by Officers Danny Schooler, and Eddie Edmonds, wagered Officer Bob Knight five bucks that he (Knight) didn't dare jump into the Miami River in full uniform. 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. It was said by Wever's family that he was a member of that group but, at that time in the early 1920's of Miami's history, the group was generally thought of by the Miami residents as a sort of 'community group' and not of the virulent hate group it became to be in America. )(494 words), (Story about MPD going after the fixer of cases in Dade County. A City Council hearing was held and Whitman admitted his guilt. "Chief Leslie Quigg and I were talking one day at his house in Shenandoah and he related this story to me. (Sulllys own account of getting shot on St. Patricks Day,1971.) The officer never regained consciousness and died four days later, on September 24th, at Jackson Memorial Hospital. (This chapter provides details into this shootout that resulted in the death of a MPD detective.) Chief Whitman and Mayor Watson meet to plan adding patrol boats to MPD. Interesting). 2/23/1938. J.H. Feb 1938, A suspect in the kidnapping of a 15 year old girl was arrested today by MPD officers A.W. (206 words), (3-Wheel motors dont float, as Mark found out) (633 words), (How does that saying go? His gun began to smoke. "Of all the dames on Flagler Street, I had to proposition three female fuzz". 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. 1/5/1932 - Hardy Bryan sued Chief Reeve for the return of the Chiefs job. In the weeks after the opening of the recruiting office, practically each Cuban stopped and questioned by the author and other officers for any reason, would hear the halting English reply that "I am working with the CIA, so don't bother me.". 6/17/1938, Officers Harry Fouts and Carl Spense made a quick arrest via a radio BOLO, one of the first using the new two-way radio setup that MPD installed. The orders include instructions to obey commanders without question, be courteous to the citizens, and to make arrests in an unobtrusive manner as possible. Quigg says he will no longer fight for the position. No match was found and the Miami police were unable to solve the case. Lane left a fianc, his parents and a brother. Napier was nabbed by MPD and federal agents with a truck load of grass, which was confiscated. A series of bombs targeted Jewish businesses and homes in Miami in 1961. Neighbors reported to the police that the men drove to the scene in an auto. A flat bed truck was turned into a float. Jan 4, 1932 - Chief Reeve ordered Captains Bryan, Nelson and Mathis to have their lieutenants and men arrest gamblers. Well, I had fallen asleep and was drooling. His remains were buried in Boston, Georgia. P.O. Tom Kelly was appointed interim Sheriff a month later. The first City of Miami policeman was killed in the line of duty. At the next two council meetings, Mayor Sewell and Chief Hardee recommended the following permanent police officers to be hired. Prior to confronting the suspect, who was allegedly armed, the four detectives planned their apprehension. Some voices at the council meeting stated that it would be not legal to codify these parameters but others said it was lawful. McCreary. No charges were filed. (1,190). Det Whitman resigned in 1958 to begin a law practice and has followed the case to this day (He is now 92), offering his assistance without compensation, in an effort to close out this terrible crime. Melchen. Assistant Chief of Police, Miami, FloridaFounder and President, (2000-2010) Miami Police Veterans Association,This email address is being protected from spambots. McCarthy was acting Chief of Police during the fall of 1935 when the terrible hurricane wiped out the Keys and took a good swipe at south Florida. Burlinson, 26, a New Jersey native and a Korean War veteran, joined the MPD in 1954 with Academy Class # 29, three years before he died in the crash on March 8, 1958. The reader should keep in mind that bad news sells more papers than good news and that during this period, thousands of incidents of good work was performed by members of the MPD. The subject's prints were sent to New York City where Gotham cops matched the prints to a wanted felon who had a long record in their jurisdiction. Using rifles and pistols and sawed-off shotguns, the robbers were able to keep off the first squad of police. (Inside story on great detective work by MPD squad in this chapter. Some of the examples they cited were Detective C.C. It was also reported that Officer Eddie Motes lost a leg due to an off duty motorcycle accident. Daly was the first white man to be hung in Dade County. It was not uncommon for the JP to come to the scene of the crime, especially in cases of an officer-involved killing, and hold an inquest in the rear seat of a police car. Fairbrother and Raleigh Hill. A suspect had confronted her in her own home and savagely attacked her, even cutting off one breast and sticking it onto a bedroom dresser mirror. In September, Officer Alex Gingras, 55, a police officer for eight years, retired on pay, $75 a month for life, for disability due to an on-the-job injury. Scott was in civilian clothes after going off duty at 1045PM and was headed for a restaurant. In September of 1944, the Miami Police Department began hiring black police officers. In 1914 a MPD Officer named W.H. The story is quoted exactly: "The Chief of Police is elected by the people, while members of the force are appointed by the Mayor with the consent of the City Council or by the City Council. The anxiety created in the minds of Miami residents no doubt caused them to be more than ever in favor of having an efficient police department in the city. To avoid public controversy, training sessions were held for black recruits in secret at the Liberty Square Housing project. Campbell sped toward a burglary call. A year later, Sullivan and his wife was indicated for income tax evasion. While, at the MPD practice range in Opa Locka, things got exciting. Whitman was later charged and tried in the court for this offense and was obviously absolved as he was re-elected for another term the following year. 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". Huttoe's appeal of the penalty was denied by the police staff after a hearing. Seven MPD officers were indicted for murder in three different cases from 1925 to 1927.). (Miami News-10/27/1941). D. M. Kendall was chosen as Range Captain and Red Crews the Instructor. He said that the great number of murders in Miami has made the formation of a homicide squad a necessity. Officer Patrick Howell Baldwin was killed in an auto accident yesterday. Brubaker, a Pennsylvania native and a Army veteran, joined the MPD in 1928. The gun discharged while the couple was playing with the firearm. Chief Youell, Lt Harold Goodman and Sgt. Ben Denby was then Superintendent of City Communications. Cooley, L.A., Appointed Dec 1905 as unpaid special, Curry, William, B. on job Nov 1907 -Acting Chief, 1917, Flanagan, Robert -Marshall, Nov.1900- Oct. 1905, Ferguson, Charles Robert, Elected Chief in 1911-13. Forest Nelson. No days off. Huttoe remained at the same rank and will continue to earn $180 a month. He was reported to have said, If other states followed Floridas example of speedy trials, crime would certainly drop quickly all over our country, (Fresno Bee-2/17/1933, Nevada Journal-2/18/1933). During mid-1925, Miami city administrators brought in police experts from New Orleans to assist in overhauling the organizational structure of the Miami Police. Elected Chief. DeBerry from 12noon to 8pm, William B. Curry from 8PM to 4AM, and J.C. Tucker from 4AM to noon. (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. Strict military order will be observed hereafter according to the new orders issued. When Schmid berated Caswell, he was struck in the head with a night stick and slightly injured. No records are available but it can be assumed that very few offenders (if any) resisted arrest when Parker and Leavitt were on duty. The chief and the new public safety director, would be appointed by the city manager, and police officers would fall under civil service guidelines. It was believed that the six fled north in two vehicles that were chased by two police units up to the Fort Lauderdale area. However, in 1933, he was appointed as the Chief of Police in addition to his Public Safety Director duties. Gardner was fired for sleeping on duty and intoxication. A special civil service ruling was passed to protect the pension and seniority rights of retiring Chief McCarthy when he reverts back to his civil service rank of Captain. John Brubaker, 30, died in a motorcycle crash on March 31, 1933, as he and Officer C.E. Whitman has been under much criticism due to the inability to solve the Kinsey murder and the bombing of the Odd Fellows hall. You had to be thereWell I didn't wear the vest again. 5/29/1938, Miami Police Dispatcher Margaret Dow (or DOE) was mentioned in an article as being the first female police dispatcher in the United States. automatic. Each officer will be held accountable for the good order of their beat or district. These men and women came to work daily and did an outstanding job, day in and day out during their 25 or more years of service. Carver and C.G. Lieutenant Francis Lee Napier was reduced back to the rank of Sergeant by Deputy Chief Youell. Liquori had been assigned as a liaison officer to the Dominican Consulate in Miami and was a one time aide to Dominican President Trujillo's son. FOR Two hundred citizens escaped the inferno. Chief Howard, and detective district commanders, J.C. Williams, Charles Schwelm, Ray Tanner and Lt J.D. "Be careful about what you ask for?" In 1925 he was the Chief of Detectives and was promoted to Assistant Chief. 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. 'Smiling Mac' McCarthy was appointed Acting Chief on May 23, 1935 and permanent Chief on Dec 28, 1935, succeeding S.D. Willford advised that between twenty-five and forty thousand dollars in cash is usually kept in the store over the weekend. (Miami News- 9/19/1937). He had the distinction of being assigned Badge #1. To date, over 200 awards have been presented to a group of great young people. Three of the four districts were headed up at times by Captain Lee Napier, C.O. At this time the department's force consists of 14 police officers, 2 Sergeants and the Chief of Police. Ferguson was fined $5 in court for actions stemming from a public dispute with Officers Mattison P. Merritt and Wm. "What happened to my case", I asked. Haynes. Phone: (928) 779-4549. On July 6, 1954, a six year old girl visiting her grandparents from Baltimore was abducted from her South Bayshore Drive home and killed. Nationwide, detectives receive a median annual salary of $62,110 as of May 2009, according to the BLS, with half of all detectives earning annual salaries between $47,070 and $83,650. 7/3/1938. August of 1913 brought a third Chief of Police to Miami. June 19th -Charles Haynes, the slayer of Det Frank Beckham in February, was freed by the Judge after being convicted of manslaughter. Enoch Powell, special Negro police agent for MPD, was arrested for carrying a concealed weapon. It was discovered that the owners of these slots contributed heavily to Williams' election campaign. The reward money was eventually returned to the donors when no arrest was made. Sullivan, who joined the MPD in 1934, served ten years downtown as a traffic officer at SE 1Avenue and 1 Street. An interesting story ran in the Jan 4, 1907 edition of the Miami Metropolis. The door of the larger safe was blown off demolishing much of the office equipment. Sam D. McCreary was appointed as Public Safety Director of Miami, heading up both the Police and Fire Departments in January, 1930. The Chief said that a thin wire was laid along the seat portion of an ordinary chair with the wire connected to the car batteries. Fame is fleeting though, as a few years later he was beaten and tossed out of the police station by Detective Mitchell. Chief Headley's reputation was constantly besmirched by Mayor High but big Walter prevailed. I explained my plight and she directed me to their bedroom and provided me with a pair of her husband's uniform britches.' His wife survived him by many years, recently passing away in Marathon, Florida at an age of 101. After an investigation by Chief Quigg, Dets. June 6, 1928 -- Chief Guy Reeve established the first MPD police school. J.H. Great 1973 story. (Pic shows about 30 MPD guys in a classroom. Huttoe to Lieutenant. In early December that year, a contract was awarded to D. Merritt to build a city jail at the cost of $771. Nelson had earlier served as Chief when Quigg was first fired in 1944. (This chapter relates the hairy story of a 1920s shootout in Overtown.). This information became public during a story on police brutality in 1935, which is described later in this book. The president of the PBA then was Lt. Edwin L. Barrick. The picnic was financed from proceeds of the annual dance, sponsored by the association. Zangara cried out to the Judge, you are stingy, why dont you make it one hundred? The Judge replied, knowing that the condition of Cermack and Mrs. Gill was critical, stated Perhaps you will get more. C.R. Suddenly, a muffled detonation was heard from the direction of 9th Street and 7th Avenue. Morris, Rose and Mitchell, it was determined that Niles planned to take over all the assets of Asher after his death, and an order issued to pick up Niles. The suspect fired three shots at these officers and Hayes shot back possibly striking the suspect as a trainman advised the suspect ran past him bleeding from the neck and shoulder area. The Story. He has since retired to the quiet hills of South Carolina. I have included some of these tales in this book. Herrick was disciplined for failing to check doors during their rounds. Leo Welch and Art Voss were among the warriors that fought their way to and from the Chosin Reservoir, while Frankie Kessel flew combat jets above. His prior movements were traced without discovering hard information of any conspiracy in the New Jersey area. Captain Brock, an Ohio native, employed by the department for 19 years, retired at age 47. This citizens group announced a set of rewards to assist in curbing illegal alcohol establishments in the area. An on-duty guard relieved him of his weapon and told Holton to go home. About the same time, Officer Neil Garfield , motorman, found a snub nose revolver stashed between potato sacks in the market, near where Ingram was apprehended. Dade County Sheriff Dan Hardie accommodated Zangara last request and the button was pushed. Too many to count.Long, long, time ago the city issued several white bullet proof vests designed by the military. He claimed that he wanted to kill President Hoover in Washington, but that he stayed in the warm Miami weather hoping to cure his stomach ills. (Otis Davis, MPD Ret., President Miami Community PBA). Police found his body on the sidewalk near 349 NW 8th St. Police said Holbert had been shot three times by unknown persons. 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. Chief Quigg hired Leavitt, a 340 pound Georgia hillbilly, to be a traffic officer on Flagler Street. Photo of a MPD officer directing traffic downtown wearing shorts was printed in the local newspaper. Melchen, saying " I was crazy to do it, but I loved her so much". )(397 words). In December of 1907, a citizen charged Chief Hardee with a violation of his duties for releasing information to a suspect. He was survived by his wife, Theresa and two daughters, Doris and Lois. (Miami News -July-1914). I made a hurried explanation and departed.' On February 19, 1962. McCreary, a hotel manager, had no police or fire experience. Whitman from 8pm to 4AM. Some department insiders claimed that Carroll faked the injuries, but Lt Goodman, Carrolls superior, reported that the evidence indicated that it was indeed an assault.