His last words were, Goodby to all poor people everywhere, PUSH THE BUTTON. officer in the mid 20s until 1930. Miami, FL Commander Eunice Cooper Lieutenant John W. Buhrmaster Lieutenant Joe Schillaci Sergeant Armando Aguilar Sergeant Carlos De Los Santos Sergeant Manny De La Torriente Sergeant Confesor Gonzalez Sergeant Jose Pepi Granado Sergeant Juan Herrera Sergeant Altarr Williams Detective Orlando Benitez Jr. Detective Fernando Bosch He was then transferred to the USS Lexington on December 12th, serving in the South Pacific until his discharge. (This chapter provides the details of Officer Thompsons death.) 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. A gunman, who was not one of the three suspects, shot Lane in the back of the head as the officer was searching the hotel corridors. No grounds were presented and the Court awarded him his job and rank back in May of 1930. It was later revealed that the owners of these machines apparently contributed heavily to Mayor Reglado's election campaign. 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. He was later a famous national wrestler and promoter in the 1930s and 1940s. One yeggman dropped in his tracks. A young resident of Miami since 1901, Leslie Quigg, announced his candidacy for Sheriff of Dade County. "If there is no other fellow, call a cab, and if you find yourself financially embarrassed, and still conscious enough to be safety-minded, call the police headquarters and we will see that you will be taken home in safety - only don't do it too often. Off Scott worked the train tower at 20th Street. Christ was later defeated in his election attempt. (NOTE: The only injuries that Miami Police officers received while handling that wild burglary was a minor gun shot wound to Officer Driggers hand and a foot injury to Officer J.O.Barker, who stepped on a broken bottle while chasing the yeggmen (burglars). The funds were received from the association members only and no public solicitation was done. )(494 words), (Story about MPD going after the fixer of cases in Dade County. The 230 plus short stories, all true, supplemented by numerous news paper blogs, follows Miami Police guys and gals through the decades to provide the reader with a condensed history. Branch had previously set off bombs around the city, including one at the home of Miami Herald Editor, Don Shoemaker. Denby was then Superintendent of City Communications, Ben Denby, head of police and fire communications, stated, Miami Police and Fire will be getting 40 FM radios. Gray and Constable Frohawk arrested Asbury Duckett for the knife murder of Ben Worthy at Woods Saloon, north of town. Chief Quigg did not give details of the organization, saying that details were being worked out rapidly and that the best experts obtainable would be placed in the squad. (Miami News- 1/6/1923). McCarthy warned citizens to get their cars off the streets before the storm, based on teletypes from Cuba on the ferocity of the winds. Frank Mitchell was suspended 15 days for assaulting former MPD Motor Officer Norman Franks in the police station. Gautier, all with minor injuries. Instead, he bellied up to the bar and ordered a cold beer, AND offered me one also. The same day, Public Safety Director Reynolds ordered Chief Quigg to clean up Miamis gambling problem. Armed with one fingerprint, experts can turn to their files and identify the thief, if he has a prior record. The same evening, MPD Officer William S. Scott was killed by Officer M.C. Bob Knight, the son of MPD Capt Cecil (Hamp) Knight, later became C/O of the motor squad, and several other commands. A Federal Grand Jury called Vice Squad boss, C.O. On job May1907. This was one of Chief Whitman's then-progressive steps to improve the department. (MPD records). McCreary and Detective E.W. Miami Police Lt. William Curry had passed by the building just prior to the explosion that caused considerable damage. You may recall the earlier story in the late 1930'a about Chief Rowland confiscating the illegal slot machines around town and arresting the owners. Click here for an updated story. (City of Miami Publications, Miami Metropolis/News). Non-Emergency. The Miami Police department organized a Homicide Unit in July of 1926, according to a story in the Miami Herald, July 23, 1926 and Miami News, 7/16/1926. In 1949, women became sworn members of the department with Officers Dorothy Asti Gramling and Lillian Gheer being the first two women trained in the police academy. Coplin was one of the many MPD officers who served in the military during the war. His gun began to smoke. 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. Leroy Smith) were among those assigned. Officer Frank Angelo Croff, a 28 year old rookie motorcycle officer, was struck and killed by a drunk driver on May 22, 1921. "Divorce Police from Booze & Cards is planned". These four, along with Marshall (now Chief) Frank B. Hardee, were the first five uniformed police officers in Miami Police history. Officer D.D. 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. Officer McCormacks body was sent back to Missouri for burial by Philbrick Funeral Home. Miami-Dade County is not responsible for the content provided on Many others served in Korea. (This chapter provides details of that overseas assignment, which ended up quite controversial.) Riblet, John R. On job 1914 Killed in June of 1915. 7/3/1938. Officer ------- ------, a beat officer assigned to this area, was suspected of igniting the fires himself so that he could observe the fires as well as the response by the Fire guys. His wife also served as an officer with the Miami-Dade Police . To my knowledge I thought this place was uninhabited. McLendon arrested an entire busload of Negroes because one of them yelled an insulting remark at the officers from the bus window. This evidence; fingerprints and DNA, led to the identity of the killer, who was by that time, incarcerated in a New Jersey jail on other charges. It was also reported that Officer Eddie Motes lost a leg due to an off duty motorcycle accident. Pomerleau, in effect, took over the police department causing dramatic organizational changes such as eliminating the detective districts, closing down the black precinct, and put the MPD on the road to utilizing computers for crime prevention and other law enforcement purposes. McCarthy's tenure did not last long. The attorneys appeared before a Miami Justice of the Peace to charge Miami Public Safety Director, Sam McCready and Mayor Ritter, for the false arrest of Capone. That announcement was made Friday by Police Chief H. Leslie Quigg at the Dade County Law Enforcement meeting in the courthouse. No records are available but it can be assumed that very few offenders (if any) resisted arrest when Parker and Leavitt were on duty. Dick was the author's partner in the Patrol, Task Force and later in Robbery. The history is rich and interesting. Sheriff Jimmy Sullivan, a former MPD officer, was indicted by the Grand Jury in Dade for aiding racketeers from the S. & G. syndicate. linked sites. The suspect was chased by Officers Ernest Hayes and Orange Hayes who were patrolling nearby. The white drivers had the practice of stopping cars driven by blacks (most of them chauffeuring rich northern visitors), demanding that the owners hire a (white) driver while in Miami. On March 8, 1967, eleven MPD police horses died in a fire at the city's stables, temporarily ending Miami's popular police patrol. He did and broke both of his legs and a hip. The community paid off the mortgage on the Wever home and set up a fund for his widow. Stathers also had a bruised arm twisted back. Lt. C.O. Lastly, how does the job of policing affect the men and woman who perform their tasks day in and day out? Auto Theft Detective James Frank Beckham, 29, was shot and killed by a bootlegger about 11 P.M. on February 3rd, 1928. The mainly wooden buildings were soon replaced with brick structures, with the rebuilding commencing while the cinders were still warm. Rossman and Jimmy King covered each end of the coach. In early December that year, a contract was awarded to D. Merritt to build a city jail at the cost of $771. On March 15th, of 1925, Sgt. The same judge has previously issued an order preventing twenty Florida sheriff's from arresting Capone "without due process of law". Matt Vollmner, 68, the caretaker at the range was shot in the leg when an unexploded pistol bullet caught in the cutters of the power lawnmower he was operating and exploded. (338 words), (The saga of the Chief of Police (Quigg) being arrested for complicity in murder is described in this chapter. 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. This 45 man group was also the first integrated unit in Miami Police history, as several black officers (Pete Bryant, Jimmy McCray, Tom Marshall and Sgt. 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. Contact Us Miami-Dade Police Department Alfredo "Freddy" Ramirez III Director Fred Taylor Miami-Dade Police Headquarters 9105 NW 25th Street, Doral, FL 33172 305-4-POLICE Law enforcement in Miami prior to the 1896 incorporation, was provided by the Dade County Sheriff, who was headquartered in the then county seat of Juno, many miles north of the city, headed up at that time by heriff R.J. Chillingsworth, assisted by his Miami deputy, S.S. Puckett. This pattern of controlling the police department's standard in enforcing laws in order to facilitate shady and unlawful actions by politicians is replicated in numerous American cities now, as well as in the past. Source: The Miami News and other newspapers, April 19th, 20th and 22nd, 1926. The original 1960s Task Force accomplishments cannot be scribed in this overall history of the department due to space limitations. Sgt Paul Denham (later Chief) was his supervisor and praised him as an outstanding officer. Driggers shot and killed the suspect during the confrontation. The Council agreed with him and the complaint was ruled not valid. Silent Witness. 39. Miami became a 'hot' city in more ways than weather. officer killed in the line of duty.) 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. Hudson had recently been released from Raiford. The team won many trophies in matches with other departments and Army teams. Officer LaFleur was killed in a 3 A.M on February 16,1951, during a gun battle with a man who was sleeping in a car at NW 3 Ave and 14 St. He was rushed to a Miami hospital, but never regained consciousness, and died on October 15th, 1931. Whitlock also opened fire as did Deputy Brown and Officer Smith, forcing the gunmen to retreat. Frye and T.L. A sensational crime during the late 1950's was the vicious murder of a lady, Ethel Little, at 1220 NW 31 St, on December 15, 1959. (Interview Ed Carberry and author's knowledge). (Miami News-11/13/1933). Det M.H. Officer Steve Collins had developed a real good C.I. Callaway was thrown to the ground and sustained injuries that caused his death three days later, January 10, 1927. The city council in August of 1913 lay out for the first time, a set of rules for the conduct of Miami police officers. C. O. Huttoe was removed from Vice Squad as a result of pressure from Mayor Williams. This email address is being protected from spambots. Finally, the yeggmen, realizing they were now outnumbered, retreated to the nearby Seybold canal taking their wounded with them. It had crossed the lawn and crashed into the patio in back of 700 S. Alhambra. Huttoe is assigned to the FBI to work on subversives. The only local Miami protection was supplied by a night watchman, A.E. Coleman, John F., November of 1905 -May of 1906. A Miami Police motor officer was hurt when his police motorcycle went into a ditch while he was escorting a Ku Klux Klan motorcade today. 'Smiling Mac' McCarthy was appointed Acting Chief on May 23, 1935 and permanent Chief on Dec 28, 1935, succeeding S.D. In order to provide a snapshot of Miamis law enforcement history, we will present excerpts of Phil Dohertys recent book, The Miami Police Worksheet. Chief Whitman resigned three months prior to his elected term expiration. Forrest Nelson, Ed Melchen, Lt Finch Cochran and Lt McCarthy. Lt J.T. Lt Ed McDermott, RIP ,May 18, 1980. Det Thomas Elder won the dubious prize while Det A.B. Owsley, Lt. Ken Parker and Lt. (later Chief) Garland Watkins were super. Hilarious.). The City Attorney asked that charges be dropped. ), (This chapter tells of the classic story of a sex confession by Off. Pomerleau said he tried to stay neutral in the cold war between the City Manager and the Chief of Police but found the middle ground untenable. The child, Roy Brubaker, later became a MPD police officer in 1956 and retired in 1979 after serving 23 years, many of them as a mounted unit officer. Raul Iglesias' first day on the police. It was a one-act play, showed on a screen only a few inches square, featuring only head shots of the two actors. Many MPD Vets love to tell the story about Sergeant Milt Olgle visiting a 'friend'. Well I have my vest on and start to hyperventilate. Asst Chief Youell arrested two MPD officers for extorting a citizen. (#13), (This chapter describes a thrilling and dangerous chase of armed robbers through the streets of Dade County (in 1927) that lasted almost two hours by a MPD motor officer, Leston Crews.) 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. The locale of his home was actually within the city limits of Miami Beach. machine gun shots. The police department hired the city's first traffic officer and motorman. Guy Howard, a MPD detective, was killed in action the Pacific while serving in the Marines as a Master Sergeant. When I finished writing the story, I was free from the denial that hid it from my conscious mind. Chief Quigg publicly stated that the City wanted a liberal atmosphere in vice enforcement. Detective Chief Scarboro was reprimanded by Chief Quigg for not allowing two juvenile sons of an attorney to call home after being detained at the Orange Bowl for alleged scalping of tickets. Valiton later admitted shooting Sgt Wever five times with a revolver. G. J. David was fired for a law violation and Officer Wesley Gardner was suspended for five days for sleeping on the job. It was also reported that Chief Hardee announced that 256 arrests had been made in March of 1906. (Mid-1950 police squad were committing burglaries rather than catching crooks. Kenny graduated with Miami Academy class #58. Chief Curry furloughed three police officers to reduce expenses. directing traffic downtown was struck and killed at Flagler Street and Bayshore Drive on February 16, 1926 by an auto driver by J.L. They ran into 8th Street Road just in time to see the four men who had held them off in front of the store join four other men. The law in Florida previously charged the local Justice of Peace (five in Dade County) with holding preliminary hearings on all death investigations. The victim was shot by Wood while in the process of running him out of town. The City of Miami Police Department is an active member of the South Florida ICAC Taskforce. Please be Editor's Note: Officer L.G. Gray was replaced as City Marshall by the election of R.S. ( Census reports, Miami Metropolis/News-4/1912), A photo published in the local paper in 1912 pictured the following MPD officers: A.B. The truck was never found. Despite a standing reward close to fifty thousand dollars, this vexing case is still only one of two Dade County police officer murders yet unsolved. The Miami PBA hosted a party for 1,600 school children at their 3rd annual picnic at the Biscayne Kennel Club. During World War II (1941-45), a bulletin board was displayed in the Chief of Police's office listing of all the MPD guys who were then in the military. (Miami News-1/24/1940). Cross, spoiled Zangaras aim as she threw herself in front of him clutching his arm. Sergeant Lindstrom has been studying the plan assiduously and has now qualified as a first class finger print man." All available police were sent to the area to help round up the gang. Chief 1913-1917. The motive for the killing was a pool room bet. 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. ', In the 60's, when I was a plainclothes policewoman working on street detail, Sophie Bevilaqua, Dorothy Gramling and I were working downtown on Flagler Street and NE 3 ave at the bus stop. 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. Wilson died at the hospital. The execution took place in the courtyard of the county jail in downtown Miami. The other is that of Miami officer, Leroy LaFleur, shot dead in 1951. Judge Morphonios devoted five pages of her autobiography, "The Life and Times of America's Toughest Judge", on this case. He was living at 1252 SW 6th with a roommate, William Oakford, who was also a MPD motor officer. William J. McCarthy, born in Waterfiet, NY, September 17, 1896, died at his desk in the police chief's office on September 10, 1941. On September 18, 1941, Motor officer Wes Thompson, 40, was killed while chasing a speeding motorist at SW 3rd Avenue and 22nd Road. 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. Employees can login to access personnel information, workplace tools, trainings and more. J.H. Guy Howard, 28 years old, was killed in action. These days, Miami Police Department Det. I grabbed the keys and advised that I will drive. At this time the department's force consists of 14 police officers, 2 Sergeants and the Chief of Police. During the early morning roundup, a E.L. Smith, was arrested an hour after the shootout by motor officers, Sgt. Authors Note: Many years later, in 1973, the author was promoted to Captain and assigned to command Patrol's day shift where Officer Bowles was a member. June 23rd -Desk Sgt John Phillips was demoted for failure to take action on a report that a citizen was contemplating suicide. M Meredith, whom the Chief had disciplined for fighting. 8/5/1931 - Guy Reeve regains the Chiefs job in court, replacing Hardy Bryan, who has served since July 13, 1931, while Reeve was in Court attempting to regain his position. Officer English suffered only minor injuries. (Miami News- 12/3/1941). After treatment at Jackson Hospital, he was released the same evening. C.O.Huttoe, who was Vice Squad commander during most of 1940 and 41, seemed bent on embarrassing Chief Quigg. All personnel were on a seven day week, with two weeks vacation in summer. J.H. Bunnell, Alvus A. The offender, Edward Litchfield, swerved into Brantley catching his motor on the car and dragging the officer down the road. (Miami Metropolis/News- 8/25/1917), Officer C.E. Foss was a third baseman with the Washington Senators. Wilson, and Ewd R. Lowe. He was survived by his mother, Mrs. R.L. I proceeded to their residence at an apartment complex, and parked my motor adjacent to the apartments, out of sight from the street, to ensure that the duty supervisor would not think that this "unnamed motorman" was out of his assigned zone! (General knowledge & MPD Records). Roberts, G.W., Appointed November of 1913. The Chief of Police W. Whitman issued an order that: (1) Not to enter a saloon except as duty calls. Great 1973 story. Appointed as a special officer in 1905, Grant, J.W. 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. on May 30, 1995, Officer Carlos Santiago, 47, a 13 year veteran of MPD, was killed when he fell thru an open bridge over the Miami River. I was parked at a Royal Castle across the street from the court house and finishing an Accident Report when I felt a tap on my shoulder. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ( Bob recently passed away ). Roosevelt had been expected to make a 20 minute speech to a crowd, estimated at 25 thousand, interested in seeing the new President close up. (This chapter highlights some of the problems that alcohol causes in enforcing the law.) Spell was in critical condition but Langdale suffered only minor injuries. Papy striking a prisoner with his fist, Officer John Suggs (now in Navy) for striking another prisoner and Officer Nick Muslin for roughing up a prisoner and not acknowledging that it was an improper action. Non-emergencies, dial 305-4-POLICE (765423). 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. (Miami News/Miami Metropolis/News- 1/17/1920). June 17th- Chief Reeve orders crackdown on bookies. The City Manager announced a suspension for the second in command, Inspector Forrest Nelson, for taking a city car on vacation to Ohio for a month. In early July, Lt Curry of MPD arrested five white men for harassing Dr. Scott. The detectives moved in and the shooting started. The Manager read to the commission one line of the report; Quigg is wholly unfit for the office, under him the Police Department has become cruel and because a militant, tyrannical group that follows standards foreign. Feb 1938, A suspect in the kidnapping of a 15 year old girl was arrested today by MPD officers A.W. Hardee, Rufus James - 1876-1969, Appointed 1905 - 1911, Hardee, Frank B. 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. 1948, at Flagler Street and NE 2nd Ave. A truck had backed into the rusted utility pole which broke off, bounced off a taxi cab and stuck Officer Wichman. I called the Desk Sergeant and asked if Officer Christiano was working in the zone and left word for him to call me when I was advised he was. It is interesting to note the comment Mayor Cermack made while hospitalized on hearing of the speed of Zangaras first trail. The department was then reorganized into four divisions: traffic, detectives, vice squad and motorcycle corps. Sgt Ellsworth was awarded the Gold Medal for Heroism and was selected the department's Officer of the Year award. After several weeks, Branch set up a bombing and Plumacher was supplied with fake dynamite sticks to place at a Jewish leader's home. The homeowner heard the noise and seen the blue lights of the squad car. During the late 1950's, Miami was experiencing a number of fires at businesses in the downtown area. During the same period, the ordinary Patrol officer was released from official and unofficial restraints and began to stick their nose into areas of concern previously the sole responsibility of the detective districts. A squad from the station was summoned to surround the house, then breaking down the door to arrest the suspect. Sheriff Lehman backed up the Chiefs order. Gringas, Alex was on-the-job in May of 1912. D. M. Kendall was chosen as Range Captain and Red Crews the Instructor. "Of all the dames on Flagler Street, I had to proposition three female fuzz". New Chief of Police, J.B. Rowland, suspended the Chief of Detectives, Lonnie O. Scarboro and three other detectives on two-score charges of brutality, incompetence and neglect of duty today. LIST OF PBA PRESIDENTS are contained in this chapter of the book. (Miami News- 7/13/1941). The eight men then ran into an open field. "Be careful about what you ask for?" The Ku Klux Klan's $150,000 building at SW 4 St & 8th Ave was destroyed by the storm. Roberts to Motor Sergeant. it is so difficult to police a densely populated area, a fact that our GI's are currently enduring in the Middle East as they attempt to root out insurgents who are mixed in very close quarters with innocent citizens. A flat bed truck was turned into a float. In November of 1950, Chief Walter Headley proposes a state-wide police officer certification program. Peoria Police Department is a member of the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement (CALEA) 4/8/1938. (She later was sentenced to five years in prison.). The raiding party consisted of Lt. Bryan, Dets. Lt. Brock was on the scene. 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 plane was still able to take off over the waters of Biscayne Bay and headed for Cuba. 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. All of these men are regarded as double heroes. (816 words). (The author relates in this chapter just how danger can come at an officer from WITHIN the department.) Officer Rowe left the department shortly after that close call and became a real estate broker. (LIST IS PROVIDED IN THIS CHAPTER OF THE BOOK, THE MIAMI POLICE WORKSHEET.). The service was held in the First Baptist Church at NE 1st Ave and 5th Street, with 5,000 persons attending. Authors Note: Now, when Harry and I exchange visits and telephone calls, he never fails to bring it up, to my delight. 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. Detective Norman Coplin, born in Nebraska on November 25, 1919, served in the U.S. Navy prior to and during World War II. August 31st -Six bootleggers beat up two MPD officers, Offs. Officer Harley found Stathers patrol car across the street from Abrahams home, engine running and still in gear. A news story reported that the team was practicing for an upcoming match against other departments and Army groups. Chief Whitman and Mayor Watson meet to plan adding patrol boats to MPD. I am proud of them all. These detectives collectively investigate the victimization of children through the production, possession, and/or dissemination of child pornography.
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