An excerpt from the book, “Some Gave All,” available from the author or from Amazon
By Mike Simmons
Andrew Schmitz moved with his family from New Orleans to Pensacola, and, in 1900, he was a Pensacola Police Officer. He worked his way to Special Officer (detective) by 1911.
1940: He had seen it all. Andrew had been on the streets for forty years! On the morning of May 7, he was in good spirits and felt great! On this occasion, he and young E. L. Madsen were riding in their patrol car together. Andrew was – as always – in plain clothes. Just after noon, the men received a call about a man who was unruly. Schmitz could usually find the words to say that would calm the situation, so they responded, hoping not to have to make an arrest. It was not to be.
When they arrived, both officers tried to talk to the disorderly man. After attempting the more civilized approach without success, the man was placed under arrest, and that is when the fight started. Eventually, however, the two lawmen got the upper hand, gained control of the prisoner, and took him to jail. It was at this time that Andrew began feeling bad. He became exhausted from the fight.
This day was also the day that the primary elections were held. As Officer Madsen was casting his ballot at 15th and Maxwell Streets, Andrew collapsed. He was immediately taken to the home of Dr. Charles Born, who lived about four blocks away. After the good doctor worked on the old officer, Archie was taken home. Later, however, when Andrew’s condition continued worsening, he was rushed to the hospital. He died that evening.
It was the end of an era. None of the officers had been there longer than Andrew. No one remembered the place without him. Many were not even born when he started. He was an icon. A legend had died, and the police department would never be the same. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Marie Schmitz, two brothers, and seven sisters. A funeral service was held two days later at his home at 1750 West Government Street and was attended by throngs of people. As was the custom, the service continued at Christ Episcopal Church later in the afternoon and concluded with the burial at historic St. Michael’s Cemetery.
Rest in Peace, Officer Schmitz.
