’53 NOTES: We hear again today from former Bradfordian Mary
Fairbanks who again consulted her “trusty” 1953 Latham’s Telekey in
her private Bradford collection of books which lists names not just
of those policemen but also firefighters.
Since the cops have already gotten so much ink, let’s start with
the firefighters: Central Station No. 1 at Chestnut at East
Corydon, chief engineer and fire marshal was E.B. Larkin; Edward
Brophy, assistant chief; and Norman Rathfon and Thomas Milliron,
captains. Station 2, East Bradford, Captain William Gabler.
Fire chiefs for local volunteer deparments were listed as:
Derrick City, John Peterson; Hilltop, Walter Bell; Rew City, Vere
D. Wineberg, chief; Lewis Run, Peter DePrator; and Limestone,
William E. Hare.
Central Fire Station could be reached by phone by calling 3141″
– same as now but with a 368- prefix. She also points out that the
police number was 6133 – also same as today with the 368
prefix.
LEO ACKLEY: Elmer Cirigliano of Bradford writes, “I just read
‘Round the Square in the Era and noticed all the names of the
police officers who served on the force. “Not only today’s ‘Round
the Square but all the others, and I noticed that one name was
never listed who served 20 years on the force. His name is Leo
Ackley – also known as Pete.”
GRACE NORTON: Annabelle Rounsville, who spent many many years in
the employ of Bradford City Hall, phoned to tell us that the Grace
Norton we had mentioned in connection with the police department
was the police matron and also performed office work. “She was a
very nice woman,” she tells us.
Meanwhile, Annabelle also recalls a time she had been working
late at City Hall when the police enlisted her help in picking up a
couple females.
MORE NAMES: We get still more names of police officers from Judy
Florentine who’s father Reynold Florentine had been on the force in
years gone by:
“Miles Cline – I chummed around with his daughter, A. Monahan,
who had a beautiful Irish setter. Joseph Wichensky – just a kid
when he came on and was Dad’s friend. Jim Peet – who didn’t stay
long due to something complicated that happened.”
“I have nothing but fond memories back then. Those were great
times in Bradford, plus a great police force.”
