Photo of the Month

Rogers Police Cars
By Emilee Dehmer, Collections Intern

Marshal Robert Sikes, the first City Marshal that records can be found of, started his term in the year 1881. Now, in 2011, the Chief of Police is James H. Allen. Through the years many changes have happened in the police department, including the change of title from “City Marshal” to “Chief of Police” in 1944.

The picture on the right is from the early 1960’s, and features (from left to right) Troy McQuire, Glen Austin, Bob Deason, and Bill Dunson. The police car, which is most likely a 1961 Ford Fairlane, can also be seen in the photo-and surprisingly the cars of the department have an interesting history as well!

Until the 1950’s, the officers had to provide their own cars, as the city did not provide cars for them. In May 1946, the City of Rogers purchased its first fully equipped police car. In 1959, when the city purchased a new squad car it was a 1959 Ford and cost $1,837.65. Just two years later, in 1961, there was a need for two new cars! Two 1961 Ford Fairlanes were purchased for $1,886.33 with a $450 trade in for the old ’59 Ford. Through the end of the decade two new cars were purchased, both 1966 Plymouths. For the police to invest in a new car costs a little more nowadays. A new fully equipped Dodge Charger can range upwards from $30,000.

The men pictured in the photo have an interesting history as well. Bill Dunson, (fourth from left) served on the force for many years, serving under several Chiefs of Police, including the famous “Mean” Joe Means. Bob Deason (third from left) also served under “Mean” Joe Means and in 1966 he was promoted to Sergeant which came with a $15 per month raise. Troy McQuire (first on left) served as “Acting Chief” in 1970. Sadly, little is known about Glen Austin (second from left).

In 1962, under “Mean” Joe Means, there were eight men and two patrol cars to keep the city of Rogers safe. The Rogers Police Department now employs 100 uniformed officers, with numerous patrol cars, and even police dogs. The first police dog was named Black Fang and was trained under patrolman Denny Roles in the mid 1960s.

Through the years names, cars, and numbers have changed but one thing stays the same. The Police Department is always here to serve and protect.