The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram., 1914-01-06
GORMON PRAISES
WORK OF POLICE
Says Obedience to SuperiOrs
Has Been Shown During
Last 4 Years.

Praising the patrolmen for their eff
ficiency for their loyalty to him as
their chief and recommending them
as faithful officers deserving reten-
tion in service under the Robbins ad-
ministratiOn, retiring Police Chief Cor
mon addressed the police department
at roll call last night He introduced
the new chief, Harry Goodwin, turn
ing over the badge to him.
Reviewing the work of the depart
ment he congratulated the patrolmen
on the capture of eight murderers
during Gormon's administration. One
only escaped. A large measure of
credit for the high standard of the de-
partment, he said, was due alone to
the patrolmen.
Mr.. Gormon said: This my last
night, as your chief. officers and
brothers. want to thank you. one
and all, for the part you have taken
and your loyalty to me in helping me
to give the service that has been Civ
en- the city of Richmond and its citi-
Zens. With pride, | mention this, for
each of you is entitled to his share of
credit and you should be retained in
your present positions.
Recommends Everyone.
The time some of you have served
the city should be sufficient evidence
to an unbiased board to appreciate
your past service as policeman.
You were citizens five years before
you could serve the city in your pres
ent capacity. ! recommend each Of
you to the new administration as po-
licemen, not as politicians. the Metro
politan police law prohibits you from
taking part in politics, and politicians
should not let politics interfere with
you.
"As a member of the police board |
helped to appoint the majority of you
and | fail to see that | made a mis-
take in your appointment. Your poll
tics never took into consideration or
questioned.
Keep In mind that while you are a
policeman you do not own the office,
but you are the peoples servant.
Serve them under the new administra-
tion as you have served them the four
years past. Remember your new chief
will be entitled to your respect; from
him you will receive your orders, and
it will be he. who will be responsible
to the police board. Praise is due this
department. during my administra-
tiOn.
One Murderer Escapes.
with your assistance eight of the
nine murderers have been apprehend-
ed. one escaped. He is still being
sought You are entitled to credit for
the efficient work and good order dur
ing the Fall Festival when not a pock-
ct was reported picked. and only two
arrests for assault and battery and fif-
teen for intOXicatiOn. I have seen the
time when more than this were made
on Saturday night
"OfficerS of the police force. | pre-
sent to you Harry Goodwin, who will
act as your chief. | take pleasure in
recommending to him all OF you as
faithful and Obedient officers |
speak of you as | know you. | hope
Chief Goodwin will find his association
with you as | have found you.
You must respect him as your su-
periOr officer. To be successful you
must work in harmony. | hope you
will keep the department up to its
present standard.
"Chief Goodwin, | present to you
this badge, which is significant of
your office and my best wishes to YOU
as sup perintendent of police in the
best city on earth.