TPD's Fallen, African-American Heroes
In honor of “Black History Month,” it seems especially poignant to remember those African-American officers who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. Yet, may we always remember these officers, and others who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving the public.
Officer Robert Jackson
Officer Jackson died on Oct. 31, 1927, from gunshot wounds received when he was investigating a family disturbance on N. Greenwood Avenue. As Officer Jackson started to climb the steps to the residence, the suspect stepped out of the front door and shot Officer Jackson four times. Officer Jackson also fired four times, fatally wounding his assailant. Officer Jackson was the first black Tulsa Police Officer killed in the line of duty.
Officer Claude Lynch
Was shot Nov. 28, 1948, as he ran to assist another officer who was struggling with a prisoner in a police car. He and Officer Henry Johnson had arrested a man for discharging a firearm. The suspect grabbed Officer Johnson's revolver while being transported. During the struggle for the gun Officer Lynch approached the passenger door of the police car. Officer Johnson's weapon discharged through the window glass and struck Officer Lynch's jugular vein.
Detective Cornelius White
Was killed May 18, 1951 while transporting a rape suspect to jail. Near 1st Street and Elgin Avenue, the suspect pulled a .32 caliber weapon and shot Detective White. Several hours later, the suspect was killed in a gun battle with officers at 1300 N. Greenwood Avenue. Officers Bob Bivens and Willie Sanders were wounded in that shootout.
Brief Summary of Tulsa Police African-American History
In the first decade of the twentieth century, Tulsa was in growth period which exceeded that of other cities of comparable size across the united states. The discovery of oil was the predominant factor for that growth. As the city expanded in population and geographic area, it became necessary to respond to requests for police assistance in the African American area of town. The Jim Crow laws had segregated the black community to an area northeast of the business district. Subsequently, Barney Cleaver was the first black officer. During the next twelve years, he became known in the black community as an exemplary officer.
John H. Smitherman joined the police department in 1914 and served the department for forty-two years. Changes in administrations caused periods of broken service but officer Smitherman also distinguished himself as a conscientious and dependable officer.
Other black officers served the department equally well but they too were confined to policing the African American section of town. Black officers were assigned to the Patrol Division until the late 1940’s.
Mary Horn joined the police department in 1939. Although women were not assigned to uniformed divisions at the time., Officer Horn worked in the raiding squad which arrested violators of liquor and gambling laws. Officer Horn, known as a sure shot with a pistol, aggressively fought vice.
Earl White was hired as a motorcycle officer in the Greenwood district in 1948. In the 1950’s Lt. Armstead W. “Skippy” Berry was the only black staff officer on the Tulsa Police Department. Recruiting and promotion for black officers was not a high priority. Yet, three black officers had died in the line of duty by 1951.
Civil Rights legislation in 1964 began to solve some of the inadequacies. Officer Archie Carroll was the first black officer to be assigned to an accident investigation car in 1966. It was a strange sight to see a black officer in a police car south of Eleventh Street. Victims of traffic accidents appeared amazed when he arrived at an accident scene and got out of the police car with his clipboard. He broke the barrier for other black officers.
The Tulsa Police Department has made huge strides since the days of the Jim Crow Laws. Today, the Tulsa Police Department is C.A.L.E.A. accredited and an Equal Opportunity Employer. Currently, there are approximately 85 black officers working in all aspects of the police department. Their duties range from Detectives, Motorcycles, SWAT, and Supervisors.
Related Stories:
Tulsa Police African American History
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