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The first unofficial law
enforcement officer of the City of Bellaire was Leroy Coats
who walked the route he guarded. This was the early years of
1900. In those days the marshals were appointed and their main
job was to keep straying cattle out of Bellaire. Among
other first marshals were W.C. Minson and a man named
Callahan.
W.A. Erdman served
as the first Fire Marshal and City Marshall and was followed
by B.C. Ely in 1937. Ely served in this capacity until
1942. At the same time he was also Water Superintendent,
Plumbing Inspector, Building Inspector, Electrical Inspector,
Cattle Officer and Dog Catcher. Mrs. Ely was the first
woman dispatcher as she took calls for Ely when he was out.
In 1945 Henry
Rosnosky became marshal and he was followed by W.L. Fuller in
1946.
An ordinance was
passed on July 28, 1947, abolishing the office of the City
Marshal of the City of Bellaire and providing for and
regulating a police department by the City of Bellaire.
On August 4, 1947 J.H. Carrigan was appointed the Chief of
Police.
Carrigan was
followed by John Hlavaty on September 21, 1949.
In 1952 Jack O'Brian
became chief and he served that post for the next eight years.
During those eight years the force grew from six men to 24.
It was during this time that the next chief, Joseph P. Court
joined the force. O'Brian resigned in December of 1960
to go to Texarkana.
Court was appointed
acting chief when O'Brian resigned and was appointed chief on
July 1961. John H. Wheatley, then 21 years old joined
the force.
Court resigned from
the force about a year later to go into the carpet business
William E. Hamilton was appointed chief June 4, 1962 and
remained chief until July 30, 1973 when he resigned and
Wheatley became chief. |
