Life Of Jason

Here’s a release from the Springfield PD about their 150th anniversary:

This year will mark the 150^th Anniversary of the Springfield Police Department.  In 1858, with a population of 1,200 citizens, Springfield established its first Police force consisting of a Marshal and two officers.  Today, the Springfield Police Department serves a city of over 160,000 residents with an authorized force of 325 sworn officers and 80 non-sworn employees.

The police department has had a colorful history in the last 150 years with several significant events:

1874–In response to requests from members of Springfield’s minority community, Lewis Tutt, son of a female slave and her white owner, was appointed Springfield’s first minority officer. Tutt, who served a single one-year term, was the half brother of Dave Tutt, who was killed by Wild Bill Hickok in Springfield in 1865.

This year also saw the construction of Springfield’s first city jail, a 15×30 foot wooden building with a dirt floor. Bids for the jail ranged from a low of $369 to a high of $510. The final construction bill included cost overruns of $6 for an extra 300 feet of lumber and $15 to “dig and wall a vault for the privy.” This jail was located immediately west of the Calaboose, currently the home of the department’s Police Museum and Park Central Substation.

1932-The “Northside Precinct” moved to 299 East Commercial Street. The first one-way radios were installed in “scout cars”, better known today as squad cars.

The “Young Massacre,” one of the most infamous crimes in law enforcement history, occurred when four Springfield officers, the sheriff, and his deputy were killed during a gun battle with two brothers. Two other city officers were wounded. The brothers were wanted for the 1929 murder of the Republic City Marshall. Springfield police officers killed during the rampage were Chief of Detectives Tony Oliver (who had arrested the killer of Detective D’Armond in 192 and Officers Albert “Sid” Meadows, Ollie Crosswhite, and Charles Houser. Greene County Sheriff Marcel Hendrix and Deputy Wiley Mashburn also died. SPD Officers Owen Brown and Frank Pike received gunshot wounds during the shoot-out.

1933- Motorcycle Officer Tom Persell was kidnapped by Bonnie and Clyde. He was released unharmed several hours later in Joplin, Missouri.

1997- Officer Greg Wheelen was shot by Marty Swindle during a standoff at the American Inn. Officer Wheelen survived, but Swindle was killed in an exchange of gunfire. The US Marshal’s Office wanted Swindle on drug charges.

The voters of Greene County passed a 3/8-cent county sales tax. The Greene County Law Enforcement Tax Initiative expanded a new jointly operated county/city jail, developed a countywide communications system, and put more officers on the street for the entire county.

The Police Department became an Accredited Law Enforcement Agency through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, CALEA.

2002-2004– The South District Station/Fire Station #6 was dedicated. The combined facility measured 44,000 square feet and greatly relieved overcrowding at Headquarters. During the spring of 2004, a major renovation of the 35-year-old Headquarters building began. Upon completion of the $3.8 million project, the modernized facility utilized floor space more efficiently and featured wireless technology throughout much of the building.

A complete historical timeline of the Springfield Police Department can be found attached to this document, or at this address on the web: http://www.springfieldmo.gov/spd/AboutTheSpd/history.html

In celebration of the 150^th Anniversary, a special commemorative pin has been issued for employees to wear on their uniform that incorporates design themes from both old and new police uniforms.

Also, a special ceremony is planned to commemorate the anniversary on Wednesday, May 7^th, 2008, at the Old Calaboose station located at 409 W. McDaniel.  The public will be invited to attend.  Following the ceremony, the Calaboose will be opened for public viewing of historic police memorabilia and pictures.