HomeMy WebLinkAbout23-028RESOLUTION NO. 23-028
A RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING MARCH 21, 2023 THROUGH APRIL 22, 2023 AS THE FORT
PIERCE POLICE DEPARTMENT'S 100TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION DAYS IN ST. LUCIE
COUNTY, FLORIDA
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie County, Florida, has made the
following determinations:
1. On March 21, 1923, the City of Fort Pierce and County seat of St. Lucie County inaugurated a
form of government wherein authority to make policy rested with a three -person elected
commission, one of whom was mayor, with the city administration vested in a salaried city
manager. The office of City Marshal ceased to be chosen by an election in which all qualified
voters participated and it became the sole responsibility of the City Manager to appoint a Chief
of Police.
2. The second decade of the 20th century was a time of radical changes in the national and local
expectations of the duties and the processes of those who dispensed law and order. The
challenge of enforcing an unpopular law, the Volstead Act (Prohibition), the onset of the
automobile age with challenges of traffic control, driver behavior, and parking all required new
strategies and organization for leadership and training for officers of the law.
3. Keeping the peace and protecting the citizenry in the Roaring 20s inaugurated many practices
taken for granted today: blue uniforms in 1924, creation of desk sergeants and complaint forms
in 1926, white stop signs stenciled on the pavement at intersections of avenues Delaware,
Orange, and A at 4th and 2nd; and a communication system consisting of five telephones on
strategic corners to be used by patrolmen and citizens to report anything amiss in 1927.
4. St. Lucie County wishes to honor the Fort Pierce Police Department and all who laid the
groundwork of a professional law enforcement department, including dealing with rumrunners
and roads that went from horse and buggy transport to streets crowded with Tin Lizzies; to honor
those who served the city during the Great Depression when the economy caused deprivation;
through World War It when our police force cooperated with the military police and thousands
of sailors came to the Amphibious Training Base at Fort Pierce; through the 50s, 605 and on to
the turn of the century and beyond when African Americans and women were welcomed to the
force; and especially to honor the highly professional police department of today for living up to
its motto "In Honor We Serve" fighting and preventing crime; making a priority of community
outreach, caring for victims, embracing diversity, providing outstanding leadership for civilian
personnel and sworn officers.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie
County, Florida does proclaim March 21, 2023 through April 22, 2023 as the Fort Pierce Police
Department's 100th Anniversary Celebration Days in St. Lucie County, Florida.
PASSED AND DULY ADOPTED this 21st day of March 2023.
ATTVCT- BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
ST. LUCIE COUNT FLORIDA
BY:
CHAT
APPROVE AS TO LE FPRM AND
CORRECTN /
COUNTY A � ORNEY