Our Inspiring Journey
The history of A.B.L.E all starts with a few Black history facts concerning Black Officers.
In 1870 the need to organize Brotherhood Behind the Shield was recognized,
which led to the formation of A.B.L.E.
The Association of Black Law Enforcement.
Our Story
The history of African American Police Officers at the Tampa Police Department is a story of hope and struggle. There were many justified struggles always applied prayerfully by forward thinking men who had a dedication to serve and protect, to be included in the process of making a difference in their communities, to be promoted to leadership roles but at the same time rejected by their white counterparts.
Through The Years
The ones who led the way.
*1870
Officer Levin Armwood
In the 1870 Officer Levin Armwood (Blanche Armwood Father) was Tampa’s first black police officer. He became Deputy Sheriff, Supervisor of County Roads constructed by prisoners. He was a descendant of Roger Armwood, a free black man who arrived in Virginia from England in 1635. Some of his descendants settled in Seffner, Florida after the Civil War.
*1895
Officer Jesse Armwood
A newspaper article from 1895 list a black Tampa Police Officer Bishop was present to render aid to Tampa Police Officer John Mc Cormick, who was shot and lost his life on September 26, 1895
Officer Jesse W. Armwood was the first black man sworn in as a Patrolman by the City Of Tampa on February 15, 1921.
*1939
Detective Joe Nance
On September 25, 1939 Detective Joe Nance was assigned to the Homicide Division. Detective Nance was on his way to Lakeland, Florida to conduct an interview, when a truck forced him off the road. He was seriously injured. On October 1, 1939 he died from pneumonia. He was 57 years old and had been with the Department 18 years.
After World War II: the fight for inclusion Began
Let’s Create Together
On May 12, 1945 Tampa Police Department hired a young World War II Veteran by the name of James Ransom. His salary was 150.00 per month. He was fired on 01/21/1948 for giving a white woman a ticket. He was patrolling outside the Black Community. Officer Ransom flew cropper planes. He would fly them low over the city around Kay Street and Central Ave, simply because he was skilled and could.
Romeo Cole Sr, was sworn in on November 01, 1945.
DURING THAT TIME THE FOLLOWING WERE ALSO HIRED:
*Officer Oscar Ayala
*Officer Victor Buchanan
*Officer Sam Brazelton
*Officer Willie Massey
*Sammie Philmore, sworn in on February 18, 1957.
*Samuel Jones, sworn in on February 18, 1957
*Herman Cornelius Doby, sworn in on February 25, 1957
Romeo Cole Sr, organized the black officers to learn the job.
Officers came banded together as Christian Brothers.
They were called names, given the walking beat (no vehicles like the white officers) couldn’t wear their uniforms to work for fear of being lynched, couldn’t sit for the promotional exams, were only allowed to stand on the outside of the roll call room, while racial epititaps were swirled at them, couldn’t be field instructors, couldn’t eat in the cafteria let alone go out in the public to eat. But instead Romeo Cole organized them to be patient, lean on the Lord. Many more officers came and they banded together as Christian Brothers.
Enter the 1950’s & 60’s Civil Rights Movement
They believed that the sacrifices they made would pay off.
After having conversations with Retired Sam Brazelton, La Marcus Larry, John Lane to name a few, despite what they endured the Pioneers were still proud to wear the uniform, to serve and protect the community, and most important to be a shining legacy for future officers to come. They believed that the sacrifices they made would pay off. I know they believed with God’s help they would be the catalyst to liberate change,
In 1956 the City established the Civil Service Examination for hiring Police Officers. The City Of Tampa still stuck with their racial attitudes against hiring black men as Police Officers. The requirements were stringent and presented to discourage involvement in the hiring process. Some of the first to pass the Civil Service Exam were Sammie Philmore, Sam Jones Sr. Elijah Dixon, Herman Doby and Clifford Paramore to name a few. Many black officers were denied a Fire and police pension due to their medical problems. After negotiations by the band of Officers Willie Massey was the first officer to retire with a pension in 1969. John Lane retired under the City of Tampa Police General Pension and never received his promotion to Cpl or Detective after the findings of the conciliatory agreement with the City and the Police Department.
Despite problems in the nation Tampa Police Department was still discriminated against.
In spite of the problems going on in the nation as at the Tampa Police Department black officers were still discriminated against. Still had no vehicle access, unable to apply for Specialty Units, denied promotion and were told by higher rank officials ” even if you boys pass the exam you are not getting promoted.”
By 1971 there was only black officer above the rank of patrolman. Romeo Cole Sr was a Sgt he retired 5/17/1971 The Brothers Behind the Shield continued to fight. Elijah J Dixon was assigned to theCrime Prevention as a Juvenile Detective. Many black officers were veterans and had college degrees and still weren’t allowed to move through the ranks.
By 1972 the Fearless Four( Clarence Nathan, Rufus Lewis, Frank Gray, and James Dukes had enough and filed a Discrimination lawsuit and won. During that time to file that lawsuit against the City of Tampa was dangerous. These men displayed courage and fortitude.