RETIRED OFFICERS AUGUST 2016 MEETING

Hey Everyone,

Get this weeks gathering on your calendar for Thursday,  August 18th, 9:00 AM, at Denny's, Wade Hampton Blvd.

We have been having great turnouts for our gatherings, and it has been good seeing new folks that are coming, sharing some stories, and having some good, all around, fellowship with each other.

Mark the date, and we will see all of you on Thursday!

Please take note of some our folks that are needing our Prayers, and remember them as you go through your week. I will have new updates on Thursday.

Steve Hunt is going through some issues following his back surgery.  He won't be able to be with us on Thursday, but he would love to hear from anyone that could give him a call. His phone number is 350-8198.

Jim Bragg continues to work through issues with the old injuries from the Motorcycle accident that happened back when he was with GPD. I have a new phone number for Jim and will share it with everyone on Thursday.

Jerry Byers has been back in Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, but according to 

his son, Jonathan, they are trying to get him placed in a Hospice facility.

Donna Allen is recuperating at home since getting out of the Hospital. She seems to be doing well from what I hear.

I know there are others, some that we don't know about, so join me in keeping all our Brothers and Sisters, active and retired in our prayers. 

Be blessed. cdb.

C. Don Belue

Photo from the 1970s

Can you name any of these Officers from the GPD or GSO In the photo with
Chief Jennings and Sheriff Williams?

GPD STARTS RESERVE PROGRAM

This was the start of the Greenville Police Departments Reserve Program, with five volunteer applicants.
This photo was taken at the swearing in Ceremony in Council Chambers at City Hall in Greenville, S.C.
From left to right: Chief Harold Jennings, E.K. Tucker, Don LePorte, Jim Covil, David Tammen, Frank Day, and Don Belue. Photo Circa 1976.

LePorte was selected to be the Lieutenant and Tucker was the Sergeant.  Later, Tucker took the leadership position as LePorte left the program.  Tucker remained the unit Lieutenant until he moved to Texas after accepting a promotion with 3M.

The Reserve program grew over the years to a maximum of 30 volunteers, who put in numerous hours to assist with various law enforcement tasks. The program ended in the 1990's due primarily to continuing regulations, and requirements imposed on law enforcement in general, which made it almost impossible to utilize volunteers.

A worthy program in its day, with many dedicated men and women participating over the years. 

Greenville, SC Police Department in the 1800's

This circa 1873 photo matches others we have seen of that time period, and appears to have been taken on McBee Ave. The uniforms have the long coats, and the rounded type hats. You can see that several of the Officers are holding "nightsticks". The officer on the far left is believed to be the commanding officer. If you have any information or details on this photo, please contact us. Anything would be helpful to establish the historical data for all of our research. cd

Greenville, SC Police Dept. Firearms Training

This photo of Greenville, SC Police Officers during firearms training was taken near the intersection of what is now McDaniel and East Broad Sts. This is now a part of the park system where the water fall is located. It appears that the Officers are training with shotguns. If you have any information about this photo, please let us know so that we can record more of the history. cd

Greenville SC Police Dept. Photo (McBee Ave.)

Here is an early photo of Greenville, SC Police Officers standing in front of the Police Barracks on McBee Ave. Check out the uniforms and hats. If you can ID any of the officers or furnish information about this photograph let us know.

Police Cars in front of the old 22 W. Broad St. HQ

This old photo is of 1950,s Police Cars parked in front of the old Headquarters building at 22 West Broad Street in Greenville, SC. The department was located here until all was moved to the Law Enforcement Center on McGee St. This building recently fell victim to the wrecking ball to make way for the new hotel-office complex that is being built.