By Mike Simmons
Throughout history, from 1821 to 1912, most Pensacola Police Officers walked a beat. They were on their feet 8-12 hours a day, hot or cold, raining or not. They were not allowed to sit – they had to be on their feet. The Captain of Patrol was able to ride in a Selden wagon, but most of the officers were on foot, with one exception.
As an officer progressed up through the department, he might have been picked to be a mounted officer, assigned a horse, and was able to ride. The advantage was that those officers could get around town faster, and even be more efficient at crowd control. All that changed in 1912.
Most people don’t like change, and the city fathers were no different. Changes in technology ushered in the world of motorized vehicles. Instead of only pedestrians, horses, and buggies on the streets, two and four-wheeled vehicles were seen, disrupting what had been in use for many years. In 1900, people had heard about automobiles and motorcycles, but very few people had seen them. Automobiles, of course, gained most of the attention. At the turn of the century, there were only about 4000 of them.
But, while automobiles were becoming more popular (mostly 1900-1909), the idea of motorizing something that was already in existence – bicycles – was easier. In 1903, the Harley-Davidson company began producing motorcycles. There were some disadvantages to them (no protection, weather problems), but there were also some advantages.
In 1912, the City of Pensacola decided to jump into this new world of technology. They would look into purchasing a new motorized vehicle. But, while automobiles were much more popular than motorcycles, cost – as always – was a factor. A new automobile in 1912 cost $690, but a new motorcycle cost only $325. So, which came first? The motorcycle.
In 1912, the first Pensacola Police Officer to ride something that wasn’t an animal (well, maybe it was), rode a 1912 Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Immediately, the usefulness, low cost, speed, and maneuverability made the machine very popular, not to mention the attention it got from the citizens. When the motorcycle drove down Palafox Street, people would stop walking and…just stare. Some disliked the “new-fangled machine,” but most embraced it and even wished to be a Pensacola Police Motor Officer. The officer that rode a motorcycle became an instant celebrity!
But the practical use of the machines was the selling point. To watch the officers maneuver through traffic, and arrive quickly to emergencies was something that had never even been considered! So…more were sure to come. And they did.
Today’s motor officers are still instant celebrities. Children are enamored with the boots, the helmet, and the “superman” that rides the bike. Whether they are conducting an escort, investigating a traffic crash, issuing a traffic ticket, or leading a parade, The motormen are rock stars!
Take a look at some photos of the rock stars through the years.
