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[[Pensacola Police Department]]<br><br>'''<big>Pensacola’s Finest</big><br>
“The Story of the Pensacola Police Department”'''<br>
July 17, 1821 at 10 AM, General Andrew Jackson accepted West and East Florida for the United States in a trade with Spain. Two days later, Jackson appointed James Craig as Alguazil (Spanish for Constable). Pensacola’s first American police officer was created!<br><br>
February 16, 1885, the Pensacola city charter was dissolved and replaced by a provisional government. Under the provisional government, the Pensacola Police Department, previously under the command of Marshal Mallett, was reorganized two days later. Joseph Wilkins was appointed the new Marshal and Chief of Police. From 1821 to 1885, law enforcement in Pensacola grew from one constable to a force of 16 police officers in addition to the sheriff’s department. Now, officers would be on duty all day every day! <br>
City Seal: The seal of the City of Pensacola is in the center of the shield. This is a unique but symbolic item. The first thing one notices is the round circle, the five different dates, the black hand and pen over the black shield, and the symbols inside the shield.<br>
* The red color of the circle symbolizes military fortitude. <br>* The five dates represent the times that the city’s charter was renewed.<br>* The hand stands for faith, sincerity, and justice. <br>* The pen symbolizes educated employment. <br>* The shield represents protection of citizens. <br>* The black color of the hand and shield stands for constancy.<br>* The symbols inside the shield are a cross and crown. These symbols represent the mission that De Luna was on when he first settled in Pensacola to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ and claim the area for the Spanish crown.<br>* The “Pensacola” Banner: A banner with “Pensacola” is displayed across the middle of the shield. This banner symbolizes the city’s reward for its long and rich valiant service.<br>* The blue color of the banner represents loyalty and truth.<br>* The Five Flags: Pensacola is known as “The City of Five Flags” because during its history, the city came under the rule of five governments: Spain, France, Great Britain, the Confederacy, and the United States.<br>* The Laurel Leaves: The laurel leaves on each side of the shield under the banner stand for the peace and triumph that Pensacola enjoys in its rich heritage.<br>* The Eagle: The eagle at the top of the badge is a symbol of power and sovereignty.<br>*
For Pensacola police officers, this symbolizes the courage and freedom for which they fight. Each officer must earn the right to wear the shield, and each one wears it proudly.<br>
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Since its beginning, the men and women of the Pensacola Police Department have proudly served the citizens through the city’s rich history. That practice still exists today.
