Current and retired Richmond Police officers, including Henrico Police Chief Eric English, join Acting Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards, right, on Sunday, May 7, in commemorating the hiring of Richmond’s first black officers 77 years ago. This annual ceremony sponsored by Engine Co. #9 and Associates was held at the Virginia Historic Marker at Leigh Street and Brook Road near the site of the precinct where the officers were first assigned. The marker reads, “On 1 May 1946, Richmond’s first professional African American police officers were hired and assigned to the First Precinct at Smith and Marshall Streets. They were Howard T. Braxton, Doctor P. Day, Frank S. Randolph, and John W. Vann. On 16 December 1949, Ruth B. Blair became the first professional African American female police officer hired and assigned to the Juvenile Division. On 18 July 1964, Sergeant Randolph was promoted to Detective Lieutenant. While challenged by segregated conditions and discriminatory practices, their perseverance created an inspiring legacy.”
