In 1911, New York City was ahead of its time when it hired the City's first black police officer, 28-year-old Samuel J. Battle. Learn all about it in this video from the New York Police Department.
Samuel J. Battle was the first African American appointed as a New York City Police Officer in 1911. Battle faced harassment and racism, but it never stopped him from doing his duty of protecting the citizens of New York City. Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia appointed Battle to Parole Commissioner. After forty years of service, Battle retired from the New York City Police Department in 1951.
Battle died in New York City on August 7, 1966 at the age of 83.
via NYPD Online
Matt Coneybeare
Editor in Chief
Matt enjoys exploring the City's with his partner and son. He is an avid marathon runner, and spends most of his time eating, running, and working on cool stuff.
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