Prior to Jacksonville’s incorporation, it was settled by British colonists and called The Cowford because near the Bay and Market Street area, the river was used to ford cows across the St. Johns River. At that time, there were more than likely horse-mounted men to keep the peace. (No documented records). 

1822- Jacksonville incorporated with the first Sheriff as James Dell. Jacksonville was named in honor of the provisional Governor of Florida at the time, Andrew Jackson. He was sort of a hero in that era. There is no evidence that he ever came to Jacksonville.  During this time the Town Marshal would call upon citizens to keep watch of the town. 

1861-1865- Civil War years with martial law enacted.  Troops kept the peace during this time.  Citizens lived under civil war conditions and followed those mandates.

1870- Reconstruction laws were enacted.  Dave Pettis became the first Black elected to the Police Board of Commissioners.  At this time, according to the Jacksonville Historical article, “Five black police officers two black sailors and, two black constables were also elected.”  

1897- The first bicycle squad on the force appeared about this time.  Motorcycles would not appear on the scene until after 1900.  Honda cycles would not be founded in Japan until 1948.

1908- It is believed the first Harley was delivered to the Detroit police department this year. These first units were like civilian bikes. By 1920 there would be great change.

1911-Early motorcycle police and traffic enforcement began somewhere about 1911. Detroit and California are believed to be two of the first.

1920- Harley-Davidson created a special division for motorcycles.

1926- While there may be more, there is a photograph of at least 6 Jacksonville motorcycles  online with officers all wearing hats, not helmets. There is no documentation as to who or why they are pictured.  The photo is taken by Spottswood whose photography collection was donated to state archives. It is believed there was a motorcycle store owned by James T. Flowers at 8 North Newman Street “which appears to be a small parking lot next to the “The Daily Record” building.

1928 – Officer Henry Martin Nissles stands beside his motorcycle wearing a police hat with goggles strapped, his uniform and tall black boots.

1930’s- There had been several 200 mile “endurance runs” in and around Jacksonville by this time so motorcycles were gaining popularity.  

1931- Harley Davidson releases a three-wheeled serving-car which police units found helpful.  There is one photograph online showing this type vehicle.

1933- There are 10 motorcycles with offices seated on them wearing regular police uniforms.  Behind them stand an officerand 2 civilian-dressed men. They are photographed in front of brick streets.  Sometime before 1940 the words “Road Patrol” is anchored on the front wheel.  Officers had saddle bags on their cycles and goggles with cloth hats.

1937- John P. Ellis was on his last watch September 11, 1937 after losing his life in a motorcycle crash.  Clarence Ballou was on his last watch October 15,1937 when he had a motorcycle accident.  

1939- The Florida Highway Patrol Department was established under the direction of Colonel H. Neil Kirkman.  There were troopers who patrolled using motorcycles during this time. 

1940-  Advancement in radios and engine technology on motorcycles.

1947- The Harley Davidson Sales co. was located at 1067 West Forsyth in Jacksonville and became a place for purchases.  In this same year, Fred Higginbotham was on his last watch August 8, 1947 when he was involved in a  motorcycle accident. 

1950- Black officers were hired on the force:  Henry Harley, Edward Hickson, Alvin Jame Beamon Kendall, Marion Massey and Charlie Sea. It is not known if they were a part of the motorcycle unit.

1950- Special unit squads set up now were given a unit a name. Bill McCart was one serving on the the Jacksonville Road Patrol in 1955.

1955-Charles J. Scriven, a black officer in the “Negro precinct” and according to him only worked in the Black community for the Jacksonville police force. It is not known if there was a motorcycle unit for this area.

1958 -J.L. Suber, J. H. Britts, J. Taylor,  and seven others served on the force.  At some point Bill McCooley served as well as Officer Phillips.

In 1959 when John F.. Kennedy came, the Jacksonville Road Patrol gave him a motorcycle escort as he sat in an open -opped convertible car on Forsyth Street in downtown Jacksonville, Florida. By this time, offices are wearing helmets with shields.

1960-  Earnest C. Register was on his last watch April 20, 1960 when he had a motorcycle accident. 

1961- A photo is taken of seven officers with their motorbikes in front of the doors of the Civil Auditorium.   In 1962 there are at least 11 officers on road patrol as photographed beside the I-95 silver bridge.  Officer Jake Edwards, Officer Malcom , Officer Gilbert, Officer Abbey, Officer Glen Rainey,  Officer B. Brantley and Officer Ray are serving around this time.  One of the first Black officers, Officer Wiggins takes to the bike around this era.

1962- Adamec Harley-Davidson was still located at their first location at 7622 North Main Street with two other motorcycle businesses of some kind at 1038 Kings Street and 1037 Hendricks Avenue according to staygreasy904 blogger.

1962-  William E. McCooley was on his last watch September 5, 1962 when he was involved in a motorcycle accident.

1964- Civil Rights Act regarding non-discrimination is enacted which affected hiring of officers. 

1965-  Lou Ritter was Mayor of Jacksonville at this time and recommended a $40 pay raise according to the JaxDailyrecord. com  article., effective July 1 of that year.  Pay raise would go from $396 to $436 a month.  At that time, there were approximately 400 officers on the Sheriff’s department force.   

1965-Also,  during the administration of President Lyndon Johson Affirmative Action was established by executive order that prohibited “ employment based on race, color, religion, and national origin”. 

1968-  Jake B. Edward was on his last watch when on February 1, 1968 he lost his life in a motorcycle accident.

1970’s-Harley was the main distributor of motorcycles for police units but in comes Kawasaki. By 1972 there are 13 all White officers on the motorcycle patrol.

David H. Reese was on his last watch when on February 28, 1970 lost his life in a motorcycle accident.

1974- Officer Glen Rainey was killed while he was on patrol when a woman turned in front of his motorcycle.  The end of his watch was August 23, 1974.

1979- Due to a lack of diversity among the ranks, there was a “consent decree” to hire more minorities and women on the force.

1987-  Jeffery Norman Ritchey, a U. S. Navy veteran serving with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s department for 18 years was on his last watch when he lost his life in a motorcycle accident escorting a funeral procession February 23, 1987.

1987. Officers named on the motorcycle force:  Officer T. Chafin,  and Officer Milford, 

1988-  Officer Charles R. Shinholser, Jr.(1958-1988) was on his last watch when he lost his life in a motorcycle accident December 14, 1988.

2004-  “Operation Safe Ride” was established during this time. 

2009- There are at least 20 all White, all male officers on road patrol in Duval County with Officer Causey being one of them. There is no evidence of a woman patrol officer but there could be?

2010- Officers  P. T. Williams and others from Jacksonville, Florida compete at the 5th Annual Palmetto Police Motorcycle skills Competition.  

2016- Officer Jack Adams Jr.  visits birthday party of young Jacksonville citizen “Athena”. The motor patrol seeks to be a part of engaging with the public more.

2023- FREE motorcycle “SMART classes on motorcycle safety.(NE Fl Criminal Justice Training and Ed Center.)

2023-  The Sheriff’s office is located at 501 E. Bay Street.  It boasts 2,082 police officers, 950 corrections officers and 800 civilians. T. K. Waters is serving his first term as Sheriff. 

See you tomorrow,

Nan

Sources:  LEORF, staygreasy904, Jacksonville Daily Record, Police Memorial, Dale Carson history, Bob Morgan photographs( little or no commentary) Florida Memory.

Feel free to use this timeline with credits to: Ramey Collection or Jacksonville Blogger. All photos are in public domain. As always, use credits beneath them. If we have used any information or photos incorrectly, please let us know immediately for correction.