First African-American police officers to be remembered in April 30 ceremony
4/5/2016, 8:46 p.m.
Officers Doctor P. Day, John W. Vann, Frank S. Randolph and Howard T. Braxton made history when they were hired May 1, 1946, by the Richmond Police Department.
They were the first African-Americans allowed to join the department since it was formed in 1807. Maj. E. Hudson Organ was Richmond’s police chief when they were hired.
The four officers were photographed about three months later after receiving their police uniforms.
More than three years later, Ruth B. Blair was the first African-American woman hired as an officer on Dec. 16, 1949.
To commemorate the 70th anniversary of the hiring of the first black officers, the Richmond Black Police Officers Association and Engine Company #9 are hosting a special ceremony from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, April 30, at the Hilton Richmond Downtown, 501 E. Broad St.
Richmond Police Chief Alfred Durham will give the keynote address at the event themed “Honoring Our Past, Embracing Our Future.”
Tickets are $50.
For more information, call Betty Squire at (804) 347-5289, Robert Jones at (804) 640-3621 or Thomas Williams at (804) 382-3644 or email E9andAssociates@gmail.com.
