For
Immediate Release:
May 18,
2021
Statement from Council President
Loretta C. Scott Regarding the Passing of Rochester’s First African American Police
Officer, Charlie Price
On behalf
of myself and the members of the Rochester City Council, I want to express how
deeply saddened we were to hear of the passing of retired RPD Captain Charlie
Price, a man whose commitment and courage helped change our community for the
better, both inside and outside of the Rochester Police Department.
As the
first African American police officer hired by RPD, Captain Price served our
city with distinction. From the day he was sworn in on December 1, 1947,
until he retired 38 years later in 1985, he was an exemplary officer, an
outstanding role model, and a source of great pride for Rochester’s Black community.
A native
of Rochester, Captain Price’s service to the community where he was born and raised
extended far beyond law enforcement. During his lifetime, he was involved
with a number of organization’s dedicated to helping others, including the
YMCA, the United Way, Kiwanis Club, Pathway Houses, Eureka Masonic Lodge and
the NAACP.
I am
honored that during my 30-year tenure as a City of Rochester employee, I had
the opportunity to know Captain Price. Our community has lost one of its
finest native sons.
The City
Council sends its sincere condolences to the family, friends and former
colleagues of Captain Charlie Price. Rest in peace, thy good and faithful
servant.
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Media
Contact: condenessa.brown@cityofrochester.gov