By Mike Simmons
The Pensacola Police Department has had many forms of transportation since its inception in 1821. Officers’ first mode of transportation was their feet – they walked.
Shortly afterward, though, the department invested in horses. They still walked, but those who showed promise eventually were promoted to the rank of “Mounted Officer.”
After that came the buggies, reserved for the shift captain.
These were followed by the Patrol Wagon
The earliest PPD Motorcycles hit the streets in 1912. Here is a photo of the motor squad at the opening of the Cervantes Street overpass on February 22, 1935.
Police Motorcycles have been used for years to catch speeding cars, wind through traffic jams, and provide escorts…only not for buses. But they have and continue to fascinate adults and children alike as they lead off Pensacola’s parades every year!
The Pensacola Police Department acquired its first police car in November 1913. During that month, the city commissioners approved the purchase of a large, four-door used Ford automobile for $950. This vehicle was primarily intended for use by Chief of Police Frank Sanders, though it was also available for city commissioners when needed. This did not do away with horses. That change didn’t come about for many years.
Below are photos of many of our forms of transportation over the years.
So, which one is the most popular? Since none of us were here during the entire history, we need to consider: I am sure the first car drew a lot of attention. It was not a police car…it was THE police car.
Today, of course, the most popular is the Blue Angel Tahoe. It is a beautiful vehicle and is recognized everywhere!
But many people don’t remember…
“That’s it! Just like Herbie!” Pensacola Police Officer Mack Cramer was sitting in a crime prevention seminar in Tampa, and he heard about a “theme car” idea. It came to him – he could acquire a theme car for the Pensacola Police. And…it could have eyes and eyelashes and would talk and make noises – remotely. And it would be painted like the other police cars, but it could talk to the kids!
As soon as Mack returned to Pensacola, he got the other officers in his section – Community Relations – together and shared the idea with them. They loved it! A sketch was made of a Volkswagen Beetle painted like a Pensacola Police Car.
On November 18, 1981, News Journal Writer Cindy West published an article. The title above the sketch read, “Pensacola Police need a Name for their Baby.” The caption on the picture said, “Hey Kids, Give Me a Name: Name the Car Contest.” The car, equipment, electronics, paint job, and blue lights were all donated, as was the bicycle to be awarded to the child that suggested the winning name for the car. In addition, the Police Explorers provided the labor to prepare the car for painting and equipping. On January 16, the announcement was made. After sifting through over 3000 entries for a name for the Pensacola Police Department’s 2300 lb. baby, it was announced that Tracy Franz was the winner. She received a brand-new Huffy bicycle donated by TG&Y.
At the time, all Pensacola Police marked cars were painted PPD blue over white, with a bright red stripe down the side. They had a blue light on top and a PPD crest on the door. That is exactly how Blinky was dressed, with three exceptions. The headlights were his eyes, complete with eyeballs and eyebrows, a toothy grin, and mag wheels! But the most fantastic feature was its ability to talk! Yes, Blinky could talk to you. He could ask questions of children and answer them…as long as the cadet with the radio was nearby and could hear the child. Often, one cadet would stand by the child and repeat his or her question loudly enough that the other cadet – the one with the radio – could hear. The transmission through the radio to the speaker mounted in the trunk (front on Volkswagens) would answer. Small children…and maybe some adults, were fascinated!
For the next 30 years, Blinky continued to amaze kids. How astonishing it is that a car with eyelashes can talk to you and answer your questions! Many children – now adults – remember Blinky, the police department’s talking baby – fondly.
Over the years, the Pensacola Police Department has not only had modes of transportation, but they have thrilled Pensacola’s citizens at the same time.