PAX Centurion - September / October 2015

www.bppa.org PAX CENTURION • September/October 2015 • Page 37 July 19, 1852 Mayor Benjamin Seaver removed Chief of Police Francis Tukey and the whole night force along with part of the day force. Gilbert Nurse, Esq. was appointed Chief of Police. January 1, 1853 Gilbert Nurse, Chief of Police, with two deputies, the usual number of office men, and 52 day patrolmen. No night police. The Chief’s salary was $1,800.00 and the Police appropriation, $44,200.00. April 11, 1853 A oblong six-pointed brass star is issued to the entire police depart- ment. This badge is designed to be worn on the left lapel of the coat June 1853 A Harbor Police is organized, consisting of a Captain and ten men; House at head of Sergeant’s wharf. They were furnished with row boats, and armed with Colt’s revolvers. December 29, 1853 James Barry who served 14 years as Captain of theWatch resigned his office. William K. Jones was appointed new Captain of theWatch May 26, 1854 At 6 PM, the BostonWatch and Police ceased to exist and the Boston Police Department came into being. The new department was under the supervision of a Chief of Police, subject to the direction of the Mayor, and consisted of about 250 men, with the following divisions: Office at City Hall: Chief, 2 Deputies, 1 Clerk. Superintendent, Hacks, Superintendent, Teams, 5 Detectives. Station No. 1 - Hanover St.: Captain, 2 Lieutenants, 33 Patrolmen. Station No. 2 - Court Square: Captain, 2 Lieutenants, 44 Patrolmen. Station No. 3 - Joy St.: Captain, 2 Lieutenants, 23 Patrolmen. Station No. 4 - Boylston Mkt.: Captain, 2 Lieutenants, 43 Patrolmen. Station No. 5 - Canton St.: Captain, 2 Lieutenants, 24 Patrolmen. Station No. 6 - Broadway St., South Boston: Captain, 2 Lieutenants, 25 Patrolmen. Station No. 7 - Meridian St., East Boston: Captain, 2 Lieutenants, 19 Patrolmen. Station No. 8 - Sergeant’s Wharf: Captain, 10 Boatmen/Patrolmen. Chief of Police Robert Taylor, Esq. $1,800.00 per year; Captains $3.00 per day; Patrolmen $2.00 per day. October 23, 1854 2nd Issue badge introduced; Silver octagon with an attached five-point star with the words “Boston Police” and rank if required. January 1, 1855 Robert Taylor, Chief of Police; Police appropriation $188,000.00. April 9, 1855 Mayor Jerome Van Crowninshield Smith required the Chief of Police to report the “name, age, nativity, residence, time of residence in Boston, former occupation of each member of the department, or applicant for office, and to keep a copy of said list in his office.”A Police Committee is also formed consisting of four aldermen. April 9, 1856 Daniel J. Coburn appointed Chief of Police, with a salary of $2,200.00, and a horse and chaise. Police appropriation $198,000.00; The Police Committee reduced from four members to three. AnAssistant Clerk is appointed this year. March 30, 1857 25 year veteran Deputy Chief Hezekiah Earl passed away. Also this date as an act of courtesy the Police Committee appointed members of the Common Council as Police Officers. The Police Force numbers 266 men. A City Prison created at the court house and a Superintendent appointed. October 18, 1857 Police Officer Ezekiel W. Hodsdon murdered by two burglars in East Boston while attempting their arrest. December 31, 1857 Police appropriation $205,500.00. A new station house on East Ded- ham Street was built for Station No. 5, at a cost of $17,000.00. June, 1858 3rd Issue badge introduced; Silver octagon with the numbers cut through the middle of the badge. August, 1858 Police Telegraph is established. November 1, 1858 Police uniform created. Blue coat, police buttons, blue pants, and a black vest, dress coat for Chief and Captains, and frock coat for Deputy and Patrolmen. Police appropriation $214,000.00. February 28, 1859 Sergeants of Police appointed, two to each station, except the Har- bor Police. A new station house for No. 7 is built on Meridian Street, East Boston, at a cost of $16,000.00, and old Hancock Schoolhouse on Hanover Street, is enlarged and improved for Station No. 1, costing some $6,000.00. Police appropriation $229,700.00. 1860 The Police Force increased to 292 men. A Captain of Detectives appointed. A sailboat is purchased for use by the Harbor Police. Police appropriation $228,000.00. April 15, 1861 Civil War begins. Josiah L. C. Amee, Chief of Police. Rogue’s picture- gallery created. March 1, 1862 Boston Police Relief Association established, it was dissolved by the members within a year. Police Force increased to 317 men. August 31, 1862 After the Union defeat at the second Bull Run Battle medical supplies, food, and 20 policemen were dispatched toWashington, DC. December 1862 New Station House No. 3 on Joy Street is built for $28,000.00. March 3, 1863 Colonel John Kurtz appointed Chief of Police. April 6, 1863 Annual Police appointment ordinance is abolished, and all police of- ficers are sworn into their office. July 14, 1863 The Great Conscription Riot occurs in the North End. August 17, 1863 A club two feet long carried in a leather belt is issued to all members of the department. 1865 Colonel John Kurtz, Chief of Police. Police Force numbers 360 men. Civil War ends. O n behalf of myself and the Flaherty family, I would like to thank the members of the Boston Police Department for their support shown to us at Deb Flaherty’s passing. Everyone that attended, from Commissioner Evans, to past and active officers, fellow police cadets and academy classmates, your presence and kind words were, and are, most appreciated. If there is any good that could come from this, it would be a reminder that we need to watch out for each other. If you know some- one in similar circumstances, reach out, because you never know until it’s too late. Thank you again and stay safe. – Dan McMorrow A letter of appreciation