The evening tribune. (Pawtucket, R.I.) 189?-190?, 1897-04-02
CAPT. NICKERS0N
Tenders Ills Resignation to
Mayer Davis Today.
Action Resulted From Recent
Changes in Police Department.
Capt. Nickerson Has Been Faithful Member
Of the Force For More Than 70 Years.

The resignation of Police Capt. James r.
Nickerson was this morning received by
Mayor Davis. This action on the part or
Capt. Nickerson was entirely unexpected,
and will have the effect OF further compli-
eating police matters.
Orders were issued on Wednesday last
that in future the Captain would do night
duty, the Sergeant taking the desk at day
The reason given for this action was ''that
1t was for the good of the service" The
change was probably not an agreeable one
to the Captain, although he Lad not ex-
pressed himself on the matter.
Many were inclined to look upon the
new state OF things as not to the Captains
interest, but the comments of Aldermen
Darling on the matter would tend to place
the matter In different light.
Speaking to to an EVENING TRIBUNE
reporter regarding the matter this morn
ing the Alderman said: "I have just
heard that Capt. Nickerson's resignation
has been received by the Mayor, and am
now on my way to his Office to consult
with him about IL. We are sorry to lose
Nickerson, who is an honest and efficient
officer.
''The change recently made was for the
Improvement of the service. The city has
formerly been under the care Of the SER
geant, and it was thought best to place an
officer with more authority In command.
During the day there Is not tho necessity
for this as the Chief is always near at hand"
~ do not think" continued Mr.. Dar-
ling, "that the change had anything to do
with the resignation, as Capt. NickersoD
kaI N,l &. -
requested to do So"
1t Is generally understood that an effort
will be made to have the Captain with
draw his resignation.
The generally accepted reason for this
action on the part of Capt. Nickerson Ii
that he desires to join his wife and daugh-
ter, who are at present In California. W
This is the reason assigned by Mayor
Davis, Chief Rice and other city officials.
Mrs. Nickerson's health had not been
robust for some time, and early last Feb
ruary, accompanied by her daughter, she
went to California, where she is at present
Capt. Nickerson has frequently ex-
pressed wish to join her there, and said
II he ever left the department he would
Locate there permanently. Possibly the
change In routine fastened his decision,
but he has undoubtededly had the matter
under consideration for some time.
Capt. Nickerson was popular with tho
men under his command, and was never
arbitrary in his orders. He was also pop
ular with the reporters assigned to duty at
the station for he was uniformly courteous
and always glad to give them any infor-
nation he could consistently make public.
The Captain was a man Of quiet ard
domestic tastes, and doubtless the absence
OF his wife and daughter, ana consequent
interruption of the home circle have has
tened his decision to join them.
Capt. James p. Nickerson joined tho
Pawtucket police force long before the
adoption of the present city charter, and
was among the oldest members on the
force. His name appears as having been
enrolled on May 9Th, 1896.
About eight years ago he was advanced
to the rank of sergeant, which position he
filed until the death of the late Chief
Perry, when he was advanced to the rank
Of Captain. His record during the 20
years Of service Is excellent and one to look
back upon with pride.
From the expressions Of several OF the
business men of the city, when the news
became known on the street this morning,
the fact was apparent that the withdrawal
OF his resignation would be welcomed by
many