DAYTON, Ohio (WKEF)– It’s Black History Month and the Dayton Police Department is highlighting contributions of African Americans in law enforcement since the start. Dayton 24/7 Now’s, Kysha Hancock caught up with the Dayton Police History Foundation about the department’s first black patrolman and how he broke down barriers of race and prejudice.
“He was a pioneer; he broke the color line by being appointed to the police department and performing it at the highest level…he was well respected,” said Stephen Grismer, former DPD sergeant and trustee with the Dayton Police History Foundation.
That’s who Grismer said Patrolman William A. Jenkins was. A man of true courage. Jenkins was the first African American appointed to the Dayton Police Department back in 1898. Grismer told Hancock he leaves behind a very rich legacy…