Joseph Thomas Wilson Jr., the first Black police officer hired by the Mecklenburg County Police Department before it merged with the city, has died at 83, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department announced Monday.
“Officer Wilson was a trailblazer who broke barriers and paved the way for future generations of law enforcement officers,” the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said in an X post Monday. “The impact that he had on his department is one that will never be forgotten, and his legacy will continue to inspire all who wear the badge and strive to make a difference through service and integrity.”
Wilson was a “first-er” as his sister, Barbara Wilson-Hendrix, affectionately called him…