fbinaa_apr-jun-2020-Press-digital

Cindy Reed THE HISTORIAN'S SPOTLIGHT

Major James Morgan

A s the FBINAA Historian, I receive many requests to feature one of our members in the Historian column. It is important to have a historical milestone for perspective. The following is the story of such a milestone in the history of law enforcement in the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, Florida (County Seat: Tallahassee). I was forwarded information from Florida Chapter member Carl Bennett, Session 185, (June 1996) setting out some impressive reasons for his request to feature Major James Morgan, Jr., Session 133 (June 1983). After reading through the materials, I am honored to share the impressive story of Major Morgan, Jr.’s service to his family, to law enforcement, and to his God, all while dealing with the challenges of being a black police officer in the South during the 60’s. James Morgan was born on July 16, 1935, the oldest of four children living in Tallahassee, Florida. As a black man in the South, his life could have taken many turns. Our profession is the better for the choices he did make. After attending Florida A&M University, James went on to serve his country in the US Army as was required of men in his generation. After he completed his service, James met and married Joann, the love of his life and with whom he was to share 61 years together. Their union produced four children: James III, Keith, Brenda and Altamead. James had a passion for cooking that could have led him to fulfill his goal of becoming a professional Chef. However, he decided to enter a career in law enforcement during the days of racial segregation. On January 1, 1967 James became the third African-American hired by Florida’s Leon County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO). He went on to become a trailblazer in many areas of this agency including: • First Black Detective • First Black Captain – Uniform Patrol and Internal Affairs • First Black Jail Administrator • First Black to be promoted to the rank of Major • First Black from his agency to be selected to attend the FBI National Academy At the beginning of his career, James had many roadblocks that could have deterred him during his chosen career such as: • He was only allowed to patrol and/or make arrests in Black neighborhoods • He was not allowed to supervise White deputies, arrest White citizens, patrol White neighborhoods or conduct traffic stops on White citizens. • He was allowed to go inside the office to get a cup of coffee... but had to step outside to drink it. With all of those roadblocks, the obvious question is “Why did he stay?” He answered that question himself during the many lectures he gave to Criminal Justice students. “I had a

family. I stayed to make it better for those who would follow me.” He is also quoted as saying, “I was able to work with everybody; Black and White. I got to know everybody and once they got to know me, there was no problem.” James Morgan passed away on May 6th, 2019 after serving 50 years in law enforcement, 37 years in two separate tenures with LCSO and subsequently 13 years with the Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office in Florida. In the eulogy that Carl Bennett gave at Major Morgan’s service, he highlighted some of the qualities that he admired in the man who had once been his supervisor. • Major Morgan was always happy. “He seemed to keep a cheerful smile on his face for everyone. He had a smile that would light up the universe. His smile would make you feel welcome and content that everything would be all right, regardless of the circumstances. His advice to me was often “It will be all right” and “Take it one day at a time.” • Morgan was a man of character who always tried to see the best in everyone. Bennett never heard him raise his voice in anger, always projecting calm while being fun to be around. He gave great advice and was always willing to help. During patrol briefings Morgan would remind his troops: “Dress sharp, be nice to the public, ride and smile, and only make an arrest as a last resort.” He was very much aware of the consequences of a criminal record. • Morgan was a man of great generosity, giving time by serving on the boards of many organizations and giving financial support. He received many awards, letters of appreciation and commendation for his community service including the Titan Award from the Greater Bond Neighborhood Association where he and his wife lived and raised their children. • Morgan was a man who loved his family, friends, church, community and the law enforcement profession…and was not reticent to tell others about it.

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