By Mike Simmons
He’s Got Your Back
“A man ought to do what he thinks is best.” -John Wayne
Anyone who knew Captain George Underwood knew these things about him: He was a patriot, he was a Marine, and he was a John Wayne fan. Once a person got to know him, they quickly found out something else about him – he had your back. For many years, George was the captain of the Uniform Patrol Division – the largest division of the police department. This position is probably the most stressful position at the Pensacola Police Department. It is large, has all the rookies, and deals with the vast majority of the first responses in the department. If an officer finds himself called to the captain’s office, his day probably just took a turn for the worse. So, an officer generally views the captain of that division as he would a bear – stay away, and whatever you do, don’t antagonize him.
George Underwood was different. Don’t get me wrong – if you did wrong, the bear came out in him, and all I can say is…God bless you. But, if you did what you thought was right, George always tried to understand. Mistakes happen. Accidents happen. And, whatever the case, George had your back.
Born on August 1, 1934 in Newark, New Jersey to John J. Underwood, Jr., and Helen Underwood, he grew up working at his father’s gas station and playing football and basketball. Upon graduation from high school, he attended Community College in New Jersey before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in 1953.
George began his career in law enforcement walking a beat in Washington D.C. in 1960. He did not have a patrol car so any suspects he apprehended were handcuffed to light poles or parking meters while he walked to the nearest call box to call for a paddy wagon. From D.C. he served as a U.S. Border Patrol agent in Harlingen, Texas, where he discovered that he did not like riding horses. His next stop was a job as a police officer in Oakland, California.
In 1970 he was hired by the Police Department where he would spend the next 28 years of his professional life. He raised two children, Kenneth and Sheila. Before he retired, he married the former Marsha Smith, also a Pensacola Police Officer.
George always believed in the good in people. It was probably not the case, but he seemed to like everyone. One thing about George: You knew – no matter what happened – you were going to get a fair shake with him.
The Pensacola Police Department is better because of George Underwood.
George was one of those folks you liked instantly when you met him. He had a great personality & truly liked people and it showed. I was so lucky to have called George Friend!
You are right. He was a likeable guy, but also an intelligent leader. Glad to have known him!
Next time I see you remind me to tell you the story about the day Houston Ramsey and I called him to wish him happy birthday!
Capt. George & his wife Marsh were the best. My dad (Brian Barton) who also was an Officer with the Pensacola Police Department spoke very highly of Capt. George. As it happens I ended up living next door to Capt. George for a period of time. I also remember him at some of the Christmas parties. He was a great Captain, friend, & neighbor.
Yes, he was a great guy! Also, I worked with Brian. He and I worked together in Traffic. I respected him greatly.