The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1884-09-26
THE CITY PEACE OFFICERS.
The Rock Island Police F0rce.--Sketeh-
es Of the knights Of the Billy and
Nippers---The Full Roster.

Among the various branches OF the
public service there is not, perhaps, an
other calling the duties of which are more
arduous than those of a policeman. The
responsibilities are great. and the life of
each police officer is in peril almost con-
stantly while he is on duty. His duties
as peace preserver causes him to make
enemies among the vicious and law DEFY
ing element, and he needs keep watch>
full eye for his own safety while in the
discharge of his duty as peace officer of
the city. The duties appertaining to the
official life of policeman are manifold
and varied. No one can have correct
idea of the work that is done by the po-
lice force unless he comes in contact with
the members thereof daily. The cases
that appear upon the police docket daily
are but small part of the work accom-
plished by the policemen and their supe-
rior officers during the day and night.
There is constant watchfulmess in order
to keep little minor details in shape that
are known to but few outside the police
force, and yet which are highly necessary
Rock Island can boast of as good pc.
lice force both individually and collect>
lively as any city of its size in the west.
The force is made up of men who have
had years of experience in dealing with
the rougher and aggressive elements. 1t
is generally pretty well understood that
river towns are the harder to control
Criminals of all kinds seem to have
failing for congregating in the river cities.
The record in Rock Island for years past
amply testlfes to the efficacy of the police
force. A short sketch of each officer
comprising the force in this city will not
be out of order.
Philip Miller, city marshal, is of Ger
man descent. He is man of powerful
physique and unflinching nerve. He has
been city marshal between five and six
years, and has proved most efficient and
popular officer By virtue of his Office he
is chief of the police force, although his
position takes in many ether duties. He
is one of the most obliging marshal's the
city has ever had, and his Unborn aptitude
for the requirements of his position make
his services to the city invaluable Mr.
Miller is of course on the day force.
Patrick Feeley is day patrolman. He
is veteran officer, of strong and sineN
build. His beat is in the lower part of thu
city, and it is very seldom that any trou-
BILE is reported from that section. Dad,
as he is Familiarity called among "tht
boys" has been police officer for almos
fourteen years. He is genial in DISPOSE
ton and very popular with everybody
He is an Irishman, and if we mistake not
was born in the old country.
| Andrew Etzel is another member of thu
day patrol. He is German of giant form
He is one of those cool, determined fel
lows, who looks after the citys interes
with ceaseless zeal. He is an excellen
officer, and has been ON the force fv
years.
Barney McCabe is also a member of tn
day force His beat is in the upper par
of the city. He is an Irishman of stron,
build. He has been on the force abou
seven years and has developed into to al
excellent cop" He never fails to get hi
man when he goes for.him.
William Rugh is day man, and h,
completes the day patrol. His duties ar
in the vicinity of the police station a
present. Mr.. Rugh is an Irishman b,
birth, and has been policeman fou
years. He is one of the most genial mem
bers of the force, and withal an excelen
officer.
The night force is headed by that vet
eran deputy marshal, John Brennan. Mr.
Brennan has been police officer in thi
city for more than twelve years, serving
both on the day and night forces. He i
keen and shrewd officer, and his Ions
experience as police officer has rendered
him Invaluable as a guardian of thu
peace. He is well liked by his subordi
mates.
Besides Deputy Marshal Brennan, there
are four patrolmen on the night force.
Christian Metsch has been a member Of
the Rock Island police force for ten years
He is German and man of great phys
ical ability. His beat is in the upper part
of the city and to his watchfulness is due
the uninterrupted quiet and general good
order that prevails in that part of town
William H. bunker is the next officer in
point of years of service. He is Ger
man and his beat is located in the heart
of the city.
Officer Thomas Green has seen three
years service as night patrolman. His
( beat is in the eastern part of the city. He
is an Irishman, compactly built and has
proven most efficient officers.
Timothy Bresnahan completes the list
of officers. He is an Irishman of strong
build and has been member of the force
for three years. His beat is in the lower
part of the city. which he controls in
an excellent manner.
Thus in brief is a short personal histo,
ry of the public career of the members OF
the Rock Island police force to whose de-
votion to duty-the peacefully inclined
portion of the eommunity-is indebted
for the safety of their lives and property
Thieves in the Country.
Last night burglars entered the summer
kitchen of John G. Taylor, of Taylor