When @OrlandoPolice’s first Black officers—Belvin Perry Sr. and Richard Arthur Jones—began their careers in 1951, they had secondhand cars and no radios.
They could issue arrests, but if the suspect was white, they weren’t allowed to take them to jail. #BlackHistoryMonth #BHM
They could issue arrests, but if the suspect was white, they weren’t allowed to take them to jail. #BlackHistoryMonth #BHM
Despite these challenges, they served Orlando with professionalism and distinction.
Belvin Perry Sr., Richard Arthur Jones, John W. Jordan, Otha Lee Kelly, Mayo Howard and Gainous Wright were the first Black officers for the @OrlandoPolice
Belvin Perry Sr., Richard Arthur Jones, John W. Jordan, Otha Lee Kelly, Mayo Howard and Gainous Wright were the first Black officers for the @OrlandoPolice
Louis Crooms, Leroy Williams, Tommy Ward, Jimmie Randle, Luis Demps, Roosevelt Sealey and William Williams were the first Black deputies for the @OrangeCoSheriff.
Davell Davis, Jimmy Hawkins, Harley Leak, Tim Jackson, Willie Green and Samuel Williams were Orlando’s first Black @OrlandoFireDept firefighters.
As we end #BlackHistoryMonth, I’m remembering the first responders who led the way for those of us who followed. We stand on the shoulders of giants.
We also give thanks to all our first responders. We know that when they are as diverse as our community, we are all safer.
We also give thanks to all our first responders. We know that when they are as diverse as our community, we are all safer.
