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. asked. What is the Salary of a Homicide Detective in Miami? I explained my plight and she directed me to their bedroom and provided me with a pair of her husband's uniform britches.' Miami detectives had received a tip earlier in the week that safecrackers might soon target the credit union in this building. Huttoe's appeal of the penalty was denied by the police staff after a hearing. The Miami Beach officer warned the judge in court that he better watch his speedometer while riding in the vicinity of Miami Beach. Charnin went straight to the rear window of the Pontiac and blasted away across the back seat. On May 24, 1928, Chief Quigg was dismissed by City Manager Snow, for Neglect of Duty and for the good of the services. She made her first radio broadcast in 1937, the same day she received her radio license. This was one of Chief Whitman's then-progressive steps to improve the department. MPD Sergeant W. B. Poe was thrown from the motor as he escorted a 100 car motorcade of Klansmen from Miami to Homestead. The editor has obtained an original issue of this booklet from the granddaughter of deceased police Captain Barrick. He demanded the two follow him to the police station, but they fled in their stolen Essex auto. Detective Castillo succumbed to his wounds at the scene. 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. The response of the department was extremely strong due to the horrible crime. These officers were a credit to the Miami PD and to the City of Miami. (Additional details on this death are contained in this chapter of the book.) He was born in Bartow, Florida in 7/4/1891, enlisted in the US Army in 1909 and joined the MPD in 1920(or 21). Later, Ms. Lager went out to the porch and on glancing down to the pavement, saw the policeman lying there face downward. Western District of Pennsylvania | Prolific Drug Trafficking MPD Zone cars and a Dade helicopter searched the area and soon arrested one man, James Ingram, in the market area. Plus related actions.) J. D. Dorman was also moved up to the Lieutenant rank in (Miami Metropolis/News-12/1915), June 2, 1915 became a sad day for the Miami Police Department. Smith was taken to police headquarters and questioned by Police Chief Quigg. Lane left a fianc, his parents and a brother. (She later was sentenced to five years in prison.). In April of 1914, Clarence Daly was hung for the rape of an elderly woman that occurred in June of 1913. 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.) Caswell, Thomas, 1910 census &on-the-job in July 1911. Riblet was the first of many Miami officers who have been killed in the LINE OF DUTY. Tom Nazworth is now working as a prison guard in Climax, Georgia. A resident sent a riot call to headquarters as the shooting continued. Coconut Grove merchants demanded that a police review committee of consisting of Asst. (This chapter relates a story about the Mayors driver, Officer Charlie Parker, SR.) (259 words), An unrelated October, 1941 story described a driver's license check where Parker had to show his license to a Highway Patrol officer while driving the mayor. Miami-Dade Police Department The council voted 4-3 to remove him but a unanimous vote was required, so he remained on the job. No story accompanied the picture. He was questioned for two hours by Dade County Sheriff Dan Hardie, Secret Service agents Brodnax and Murphy and Dade County Chief of Detectives, Guy Reeve. Miami-Dade Police Department A flat bed truck was turned into a float. Her body was soon found just off the road. When he got close enough, the skinniest policeman met him with a straight right that knocked him unconscious. The Miami PD also instituted the Bertillon system of fingerprinting and added a new Ford, the department's first automobile, to their list of "modern" equipment. (Gene) McCracken leaving the station in a one-man car. An on-duty guard relieved him of his weapon and told Holton to go home. Separating, Driggers walked to 7th Ave while Whitlock searched along 6th Avenue. The story of one, the beloved Harry Lenchner, now 90, was published in the MPD Vets newsletter recently and is presented in its entirety. (This long and interesting story is a very appropriate story to end the book. Sergeant Lindstrom has been studying the plan assiduously and has now qualified as a first class finger print man." Assembling the group was facilitated by a simple website prepared by the spouse of one of the members, Lynn Appleget. Jim Maloney was a heavy weight boxer who won 49 of his fights, 21 by a knockout in bouts with the biggest and the best boxers in America during the late 20's and early 30's. Rowe was struck in the chest by a bullet but a can of tobacco in his shirt pocket deflected the slug and saved his life. (926 words). Police: Man fatally shot 3-year-old son, himself inside Coconut Grove Griffing, Arthur, On-the-job in November 1907. Appointed in Dec.1905 Royal Palm Hotel. involvement. 1/5/1932 - Hardy Bryan sued Chief Reeve for the return of the Chiefs job. The Miami-Dade Police Department will commit its resources in partnership with the community to promote a safe and secure environment, maintain order, provide for the safe and expeditious flow of traffic, and practice our core values of integrity, respect, service and fairness. Chief Ray Dillon became Chief on the first of November. (Miami Herald & Miami News-1/11/1927. Note: Retired MPD Vet Ginger Jones is the granddaughter of Officer Croff. Four Miami Detectives Recall the Unsolved Murders That Haunt Them Phone: (928) 779-4549. (Around 10P.M. In January of 1913, there were nine full time police officers working under Chief Ferguson. Sexual Crimes Investigations Unit 1701 NW 87th Ave. Suite 120 Phone: 305-715-3300 Fax: 305-715-3390 I'm at the back and it's pitch dark. Officer John R. Riblet, 31, a native of Paulding Village, Ohio, died in a shoot-out with Bob Ashley, a member of the notorious Ashley Gang who were trying to free his brother, John Ashley, from jail. L.G. Fired Detective Alleges Widespread Corruption at Miami Police Department Whitlock and W.M. Stevens (Stephens) from 4AM to 12 noon. (City of Miami Publications, Miami Metropolis/News). The funeral procession of Miami police cars were headed up by two hooded KKK men driving small motorcycles. Cecil Knight, Woods partner in the chase, was Captain Cecil (Hamp) Knight, who was one of the most famous Auto Theft detectives in the nation for many, many years. 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. (271 words). Walter Headley. Morris, was arrested for unnecessary force during an arrest of a black male. Authors Note: (This was outstanding reporting by Metropolis reporter in describing this case.). linked sites. (422 words). 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. It had been said that he lost much of his savings at the Miami horse and dog tracks. ', 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. 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. After the appointment of the Miami Klan leader, Sam McCreary, as Public Safety Director in 1930, Reeve was put on the hot seat and finally resigned to go on to be the Chief of Detectives at Dade County and later to be the U.S Marshall for Florida. Miami officer Charles W. Potterton was shot through the lung, within two inches of his heart, Thursday night. (1/14/1949). (This friendly fire killing is described in detail in this chapter.) RoyPottroff. It was noted that Detective Sgt Hardy Bryan was promoted to Lieutenant by Chief Quigg, Bryan, from Suwannee County, Florida, came to Miami ten years ago and joined the MPD two years ago. In December of 1907, a citizen charged Chief Hardee with a violation of his duties for releasing information to a suspect. Pomerleau's stormy term ended in February of 1964 with his resignation. During World War II, Army paratrooper Ross Cefalu went into France on D-Day, June 6,1944, flying (aiming) a glider. 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. Our faces come together at the exact same time separated only by the window pane.' He was a WW II Navy hero and a MPD icon. Miami Police Department Raul Iglesias' first day on the police. "Several improvements have been made in the Miami Police department since Chief Curry took office a few weeks ago. (This chapter tells the scary story of a homeowner shooting at an officer. Wichman joined the MPD in 1947 as a member of Academy Class #11, played on the MPD football team and directed traffic on Flagler Street until his death. There he opened fire with his pistol. June 4th -Public Safety Director Arnold advises publicly that all bookies either quit their activities or will be jailed. Hoff, Frank Appointed as a MPD officer in 1911. Looking up, I saw a citizen pointing up to the East Side of the Court House. Black MPD officer, Charlie Cohan, was killed by his own gun as he partied with his girl friend in an off-duty incident. (Miami News-9/10/1945). Rowe, Gerald E. Baldwin, and R.G. 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. He had firebombed Smiley's Bar in Miami early the same evening he shot Lane. Huttoe is assigned to the FBI to work on subversives. 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. Napier ending up doing time instead of playing golf with the rest of the MPD retirees. (Jack) Clinton was suspended but then sued to regain his job. 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. Receive weekly news & events, public notices, recycling reminders, grant opportunities, emergency alerts, transit rider alerts and more. That began the 'Night of the Long Knives", as it was called. Dade County Sheriffs Deputy, Wilbur W. Hendrickson, 45, was the other lawman killed by Bob Ashley that night in the attempt to facilitate escape. DeBerry from 12noon to 8pm, William B. Curry from 8PM to 4AM, and J.C. Tucker from 4AM to noon. (658 words). Guy Bradford and Off. One the same date, Officer Frank McDade, Gordon McDade and Harry Lee were allegedly drunk on duty and the Council asked for a hearing. Jan 4, 1932 - Chief Reeve ordered Captains Bryan, Nelson and Mathis to have their lieutenants and men arrest gamblers. A detective in one area would not venture into another's territory or case without being on the receiving end of unwanted grief. He became the first Marshall of the young city, defeating S. S. Puckett by a vote of 247 to 97. It carried a floral tribute shaped like a motorcycle. Some citizens liked the idea and others thought he looked silly. McCann, a Georgia native and a three year veteran of the MPD, having joined in October of 1925, died shortly after midnight in Jackson Memorial Hospital. Next thing I know a bailiff is asking if I am all right. Officer Gillette was called to Fairbrother's home to handle a domestic disturbance at which the drunken Fairbrother beat his wife and destroyed household furniture. McAdam runner up with 136, W.W. Hendrickson 124, Frank Hardee, former Chief, with 116, C.R. Garbett, taking their weapons, after a car chase in the northwest section. (657 words ). (This chapter provides details of that overseas assignment, which ended up quite controversial.) The friend's husband, a driver for a cement company, came home in his cement mixer vehicle one day and unloaded a couple of tons of wet cement into the open convertible of Olgle's new car. Wilson, and Ewd R. Lowe. The suspect was chased by Officers Ernest Hayes and Orange Hayes who were patrolling nearby. 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. Authors Note: In the early 1960s, lap belts were finally installed in all units and at present, the full safety belts are part of the police car package when purchased. Each officer will be held accountable for the good order of their beat or district. The provision of links to these external sites does not constitute an He had the distinction of being assigned Badge #1. endorsement. The first week of Chief Dillon's return to work, he fired Lt. Curry - for no reason. Persons living in the neighborhood later notified police that shortly after the shooting, one of the gunmen, dragging a confederate, showed up at a filling station at NW Eighth St. Rd. KLAN LEADER NEW BOSS OF POLICE & FIRE DEPARTMENTS. Baldwin of Internal Security and the two patrol officers who responded to the fight call, Officers Adam Klimkowski and Joseph Mazloom. He left a wife, Mattie and two children at the time. The sensational murder trial featured the testimony of these two Miami cops. The motive for the killing was a pool room bet. (This chapter relates the details of Dades first padded cells.) His wife also served as an officer with the Miami-Dade Police . Also that day, it was reported that Officer W.F. The action followed a wildcat strike by bus drivers who parked about 100 busses Judge Ross Williams declares that Quiggs dismissal was unlawful and he was reinstated on January 19, 1945. The investigating officer was homicide Detective A. N. Clark and the Police Chief at this time was John B. Rowland. Crews. Crews and Officer Pat Baldwin. Sgt Louis Allen came on scene as well as Detectives Charles C. Papy and Wesley Shananhan. 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 also fired Desk Sergeant C.A. Chesser, who had attempted to question Hepburn about a package he was carrying. Brigman had joined the MPD in August of 1941, later taking military leave from 1942 to 1946 to serve in the U.S. Navy. 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. ), (Two interesting stories by Curtis Reeves, MPD Ret. Gingras, Lewis Appointed as a MPD officer in 1911. The Miami PBA hosted a party for 1,600 school children at their 3rd annual picnic at the Biscayne Kennel Club. Sullivan was immediately suspended by Governor Warren. 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. Clarence L. Holton, B-1908, a MPD officer from 1938 thru 1949, was suspended by Chief Headley in 1949, from the guard force at the 20th street stockade for fighting with another guard. Members of the MPD team noted were: Edward C. Allen, Harry Morris, J.A. 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! They stated Quigg did the same earlier, when Communists were making the same type pitch. Det M.H. The author usually would ask Bailiffs Ben Girten or Tom Jervis to awaken me when the Judge arrives so I could catch a couple of Zzzzs while waiting. (407 words), "The mammoth procession led by motorcycle escort, blinking bright red incandescent was immediately trailed by many squad cars that lighted up the highways (en route to the cemetery) They weaved in and out of the winding roads like a colossal dinosaur. Loud and profane talking by police officers will not be tolerated. To my knowledge I thought this place was uninhabited. He explained that this store location is the central office for all the company stores in South Florida. The two most seriously wounded were Mayor Anton Cermack, standing on the running board of Roosevelts car and Mrs. Joe Gill, wife of the President of Florida Power & Light Company, hit with a bullet to the stomach. Special Victims Bureau - Miami-Dade 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. A Miami News editorial blasted Chief Quigg for crossing over the line, ignoring first amendment protections. Additional annexation will come about in 1925. Detective Amanda Lynn Haworth, Miami-Dade Police Department, Florida Flury, V., April 1906 as an unpaid officer at the Docks. ), (Shadowing the bolita king is discussed in this chapter.) Gingras, 17 and Charles Shepard, 12, the later two being current police officers with MPD. During his 20-year reign, the Miami Police Department changed dramatically. MPD guys lucky to escape punishment on this one.). As Zamora confronted Deskins, the later pleaded, "Gil, it's me, Dale Deskins". Sgt. D. M. Kendall was chosen as Range Captain and Red Crews the Instructor. (208 words), The funeral director had to arrange a separate time for blacks to view McCarthys body, as it seems that he was very popular with all the people of Miami, rich and poor, cabdrivers and professionals, men and women, black and white. The ticket was issued by a City of Miami officer. Gray was the only Miami policeman until 1898, pulling his goat-drawn wagon, collecting stray dogs and unwanted law breakers in the City of 1,500. In an Emergency or to report suspicious activity 911 | To report a crime or non-emergency 602-262-6151 | Silent Witness 480-WITNESS . Sgt Ellsworth was awarded the Gold Medal for Heroism and was selected the department's Officer of the Year award. (MPD records). Chief Headley built a separate new Black precinct in 1950, which remained in existence until 1963 and obtained a new police HQ building at 1145 NW 11 Street. The police attempted to surround them. Chief Quigg ran into extreme legal difficulties in later years, was arrested, cleared, fired and later re-hired. History of the Miami Police Dept. Assistant Chief of Police, Miami, FloridaFounder and President, (2000-2010) Miami Police Veterans Association,This email address is being protected from spambots. Zangara was returned to the court, pled guilty, and sentenced to die in Floridas electric chair. 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. (Humorous story about a Homicide Detectives apprehension), (Book chapter concerning one of Miamis Cuban bombings)(439 words), (Why one should not jump to conclusions. Events during the first few years of its municipal existence include a fire on Christmas week in 1896 that destroyed three blocks of the Miami downtown area, starting with the Brady building and spreading to twenty seven others. (confidential informer) and would pick him up in an unmarked Task Force car and drive him around Liberty City questioning him about illegal activities. To the disbelief and laughter of the entire squad, Knight dove into the river and come out soaking wet, but five dollars richer. In early December that year, a contract was awarded to D. Merritt to build a city jail at the cost of $771. His maid observed a tall, thin black man wearing black pants and a white shirt pedal away on a 28 inch English-model bicycle with a chrome fender. The motorcycle officer was to issue tickets to anyone exceeding the 12 miles per hour limit, the law at the time. His skull was crushed and died on the scene. The team won many trophies in matches with other departments and Army teams. He was traced easily and arrested in Jacksonville. A local paper showed Officer E.W. Traffic Inspector Wm. ", (Dr. Wilbanks', "Forgotten Heroes", 1996 & City of Miami publications.). The policeman looked at him for a moment and then got into the police car and drove away. During the early morning roundup, a E.L. Smith, was arrested an hour after the shootout by motor officers, Sgt. - Guy Reeves, special agent of the U S Justice Dept to Chief of Detectives. 4/8/1938. He is still going at 90 and we all love him. He was promoted to Sergeant ten months ago. Under the new system, a thief need leave only a single tell-tale print at the scene of a "job". Officer Dallas L. Carroll, Patrol Section officer, was transferred from his patrol car duty to that of walking the Coconut Grove beat on midnight shift after raiding a Tamiami Trail bookie joint. Jonathon Martin is Assistant Chief (Interim) of the Avondale Police Department and currently oversees the Patrol Division, which includes all Patrol operations and Special Investigations. and Sergeant George T. Warner replaced Lindstrom. The Grand Jury began looking into the altercation, calling in Headley, Det. I am proud of them all. No grounds were presented and the Court awarded him his job and rank back in May of 1930. One yeggman dropped in his tracks. He refused the alcohol test and was not convicted of the DUI charge, which had been down graded from manslaughter. Wilkerson to Sergeant of Detectives, - L.P. Bradley to Sergeant of Motorcycles. The victim was shot by Wood while in the process of running him out of town. 3/21/1938, A new 'single fingerprint' system has recently been installed in the Miami police identification unit. He said that back when he was Chief, the City and downtown merchants were having a real bad problem with pickpockets down on Flagler St. and I think it was around Christmas time. These are just a few antidotes to highlight the political interference of politicians which can be observed in most police departments nationwide. (#2). Even Detective Chief Scarboro himself, arrested a bookmaker. Officer Jim Harley, later Gables Police Chief, guessed that Stathers would be in the vicinity of Anthony Abrahams home on South Alhambra Circle. rifle and killed Hepburn instantly. A Miami police officer and his wife, a Southern Bell employee, were among those arrested. Huttoe to Lieutenant. Each has his story. (Sulllys own account of getting shot on St. Patricks Day,1971.) Milstead, and Henry Owens as well as Detectives. A year later, Sullivan and his wife was indicated for income tax evasion. Lonnie Scarboro will take over the job of Chief of Detectives that Reeve was holding prior to Quigg's dismissal. Homicide detectives Ernie Bush and A.J.McLaughlin investigated and charged MPD Officer Harold Mitchell, 33, for aggravated assault. Appointed in 1911. White officers had this Civil Service protection since 1921. MPD had many of these double heroes. Needless to say, he was put back into jail but the other one got to go to Ward D at Jackson Hospital. Wilkerson and John Driggers made several arrests. Being the book-worm that Steve was, he remembered that the book said to switch to casual conversation after pumping a C.I. 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 recent influx of autos, combined with the numerous bicycles, horse drawn wagons and pedestrians were causing 'gridlock' in the business area. officer in the mid 20s until 1930. 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. (Miami News, 1935). Suddenly, a muffled detonation was heard from the direction of 9th Street and 7th Avenue. Brantley, still on his machine, pulled out his revolver and shot the driver. It had crossed the lawn and crashed into the patio in back of 700 S. Alhambra. Brigman was survived by his wife Pearl and was buried in Chesterfield, S.C., where he was raised. The money, used for instructing recruits, was counterfeit. 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. Smith, William Meredith, Edwin V. Stephens, Gordon McDade, Harry Doane, J.B. Watkins, Harry Lee, L.M. Chief Quigg quickly re-instated fired Detective Chief Scarboro and Detective Williams, who was fired by Safety Director Kavenaugh last year. Wichman, a Miami native and a graduate of Miami High in 1943, had served in the Navy during WW II and seen action at Iwo Jima. On June 17th, 2010, at the opening ceremonies of the Fraternal Order of Police June Conference a special honor was given to one of its members. 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. Johnson had joined the MPD in December of 1925. It will cause you to think about the policeman's lot for many years to come. A squad from the station was summoned to surround the house, then breaking down the door to arrest the suspect. Miami detectives had received a tip earlier in the week that safecrackers might soon target the credit union in this building. Stathers also had a bruised arm twisted back. Feud between Huttoe and Quigg aired again in newspaper. Steve later became a professor at a western North Carolina college. The Grand Jury made reports on the situation and the newspapers ran stories often. We consider these men Double Heroes. Chief Whitman posted 'Ten Commandments' of parking in the newspaper in an attempt to achieve some sense of order out of the chaos of parking autos in the downtown area. Nelson had earlier served as Chief when Quigg was first fired in 1944. He was suspended 30 days and forced to pay a $240 fine. (168 words). The MPD motorcycle squad's office was located along the Miami River back in the 1950's. The lead investigation was Detective Erv Whitman of the Homicide Unit, assisted by his partner, Det Charles Sapp, under the supervision of Lt. Chester Eldredge and the Detective Chief. Hicks was buried in Graceland Memorial Park on SW 8th Street. 6/21/1938. Rookie Miami officer, Steve Plumacher, was taken out of the police academy and placed into the City Water department as an employee, working along side the suspect, Donald Branch. (Miami News-4/23/1923, MPD records), The Miami Police had a superior Rifle team during this period. Others may have entered the service previously or entered at a later time during the war. The chief and the new public safety director, would be appointed by the city manager, and police officers would fall under civil service guidelines. In September of 1944, the Miami Police Department began hiring black police officers. 1/18/1932 - The City Mgr. Efforts were made to mask the fact that Roosevelt was partially crippled by polio. However, this is a excellent example as to why. Lt. C.O. 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. GABLES Officer BILL DeKORTE MURDERED, (MPD Joins Coral Gables officers in the hunt for killers of Officer Bill DeKorte.) The hall utilized by the black residents of Miami for many social and community events was bombed at 2AM, on a Sunday morning in July of 1917. He stopped the auto, searched it and found burglary tools in the trunk. (MPD records). The history is rich and interesting. He provided details to police that convinced them that he was being truthful and his palm print matched.