CELEBRATION
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THE NEWS TRIBUNE
J.M. Smith was chief from 1924 to 1928, during which time there apparently
was an issue with stray dogs, among other things.
she says, “but the way we police has evolved. I am extremely
proud of the women and men of the Fort Pierce Police Department
and deeply honored to be a part of the legacy of our
great department and motto ‘In Honor We Serve.’”
Festivities for the centennial include a noon ceremony at
headquarters on March 21 followed by an evening at Fort
Pierce Yacht Club for police officers, other employees and
spouses. On April 3, the city will host a “Back the Blue” public
event at Causeway Cove Marina.
FORMATIVE YEARS
“The early formative years of our police force had their
chaotic moments,” Fort Pierce Mayor Linda Hudson says,
“but as the force grew over the century in numbers and
expertise, the Fort Pierce Police Department aspires to the
highest standard of professionalism and excellence. I couldn’t
be more proud.”
There have been 25 police chiefs in the past 100 years.
In earlier days, some only served a year or two — perhaps
with good reason. Desk Sgt. H.R. Alford noted in his 1945
diary that the chief at the time was a bit of a “yes man.”
Fortunately, criminal activity was slow, as evidenced by
this entry:
July 12 1945. 2:00 PM on watch. It happened again, can you
imagine it? A perfect day, two in a row. Now you see how nice sic
our little City is trained. 10:00 PM and all I did was to release a
prisoner. Good night fellows. Keep your fingers crossed.
Other police chiefs used the department as a stepping stone
in their careers. For example, J.R. Norvell was acting chief
from 1947 until 1952, after which he was the St. Lucie County
sheriff until 1973.
Serving as chief from 1990 to 1994, Gil Kerlikowske eventually
became director of the Office of National Drug Control
Policy under President Barack Obama. He also has served as
a commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection and is
now a distinguished visiting fellow and professor of criminology
and criminal justice at Northeastern University.
At least one chief resigned due to internal problems. James
Mahar inherited departmental scandals when he took on the
role in 1994 and left after 10 officers were convicted of home
invasion robberies and other crimes. >>
FORT PIERCE POLICE DEPARTMENT
Chief Diane Hobley-Burney, who is the city’s first female police chief, runs the department with help from deputy chiefs Kenny Norris, left, and Robert Ridle.