The Mail-Journal, Volume 26, Number 20, Milford, Kosciusko County, 1 July 1987 — Page 41

Syracuse's first police car was a 1947 Hudson

The lakeside community has depended on the protection of the Syracuse Police Department for over 50 years, with the city’s finest haviifg done everything from relocate a lost dog to followup a murder case. About 40 years ago the police officers held a variety of duties. The night, or third shift officer, swept Main Street, greased the pumps, and checked all of the lift stations. The police chief also acted as street commissioner in those days. Police, emergency fire, and first aid calls were taken at the old switchboard at the United Telephone Company, when Syracuse had switchboard operators. The telephone operator would turn on a red light outside the building and the officer on duty would respond to the light and go in and check what the call was about and what was needed. United Telephone Company was located on Main Street, where The Mail-Journal office now stands. When the telephone company switched to the dial system in 1958, the police calls were taken at a police booth, located at the corner of Main and Huntington Streets. When Bert Cripe was police chief in 1947, Pete Harkless donated a 1947 Hudson to the department — the first police can in Syracuse. The old Syracuse “Lock-up” (jail) used to stand where the newfejron Removal Plant is located. ThepoliceWficer on duty would lodge the prisoners in the jail overnight, then take them to the Warsaw jail the next day. There were no funds for feeding prisoners in those days. The police department is still growing and now has five fulltime officers in addition to the police chief. There are also two reserve officers, who are used to cover weekends during the summer when two officers are needed at one time, and to cover vacations and during other miscellaneous occasions. A new position of detective was created in December, 1986, and allows one officer to work almost exclusively on investigations. This has already resulted in the recovery of many items and has enabled the department to solve several cases quickly. The department also employs a ’ full-time secretary and all records are being entered into a computer that was purchased in 1986. There are three squad cars used by the department, with a used van having just been purchased for the animal control officer’s use. Current Police Chief Robert Ziller is working with the town board to improve benefits for the officers and to create a savingsretirement plan for full-time officers. Chief Ziller is proud of his department and the programs that have been started. He is especially pleased with the sup-

? The hometown advantage. At work in Sy Syracuse Happy 150th Birthday!

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port received from the town board and residents of Syracuse. Officers currently employed and their starting dates include: Ziller, October 1985; Detective Robert E. Houser, May 1975; Officer Danny B. Gallmeier, May 1975; Officer Harold E. (Ron) Moser, April 1984; Officer Calvin C. Kline, November 1985; Officer Robert J. HOuser, September 1986; Reserve Officer William H. Fisher, and Reserve Officer Patrick T. Morganthaler, March 1986. * Past police chiefs include: Bert Cripe, early 19405; C.J. (Peck) Kline, 1952; James Gilbert, 1952-54; Don Enyeart, 1954-66; Daniel Ganger, late 19605; Orville Vanderßeyden, early 19705; Dale Sparklin, 1974; Ron Robinson, May 1975 to 1978; Lou Mediano, December 1978-October 1979; Robert Houser, October 1979-December 1982; William Selvey, January 1983-May 1983, and Warren Swartz, May 1983-June 1985. Chief Ziller has been in office since October 1, 1985. The department is currently working on a book of its history and welcomes any help or information that Syracuse residents may have. They are particularly interested in any old pictures of Syracuse police officers or chiefs that anyone may have (these can z be returned if necessary) or any information about the department’s history (Former police pfficer and current dispatcher Tom Gilbert contributed much of the information for this article)

Second American Legion Post at Syracuse

By M.L. “TIM” DARR Adjutant The first charter for the area American Legion was under the name of Hugh Sloan Post and after three years of hard times and the inability of members to hold the charter it joined with Ancil Geiger Post 226 at Milford. However, in 1933, under the leadership of Roy Sarjent, Legion members were able to draft enough members to obtain a new charter and Wawasee Post 223 was formed. Following are the charter members of the infant Wawasee Post: I.J. Byland, Orval Carr, Barney Davis, Robert Deutsch, Melvin Dillon, Glenn Gordy, George Harvey, Charles Howard, Roscoe Howard, C.R. Hoy, Mathew Katzer, Charles Kroh, Earl Menzenberger, Ralph Method, Nelson Miles, Harry Porter, Joseph Rapp, Roy Sarjent, James Searfoss, and John Walton. The first meetings were held in the basement of the Syracuse Public Library, later moving to

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SYRACUSE’ FINEST — Five of Syracuse’ police officers show off a new car in the late 1960searly 19705. From left are: Tom Gilbert, Sammy Brown, Police Chief Orville Vanderßeyden, Dan Ganger, and Dale Sparklin. (Photo courtesy of Syracuse Police Department)

the room above Bales Grocery Store (then Greigers) on Main Street. In 1935 a drum and bugle corps was formed under the leadership of Millard “Cy” Hire. They paraded in any state and national American Legion Convention Parades. This drum corps was well known throughout the state for 35 years. Looking towards the future, and since World War II was providing new members, a new and larger meeting room was needed, so once again, Roy Sarjent was able to gather a group of businessmen together to purchase a three story building (currently a part of Love Furniture)

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Wed., July 1,1987 — THE MAIL-JOURNAL “

on South Huntington Street. A meeting room and kitchen were on the main floor, the drum and bugle corps were stationed upstairs and the club room rested in the basement. IN 1942 Commander Melvin Dillon and Adjutant Ralph Oyler helped 18 interested wives, daughters, and sisters form an American Legion Auxiliary. The Legion Post on Huntington Street was completely remodeled and after several successful years of operation, the mortgage on the building was burned in 1950. In 1972 this building was sold and several lots were purchased

on the hill where the post office is now located. A building committee was formed and plans were drawn for a new Legion Post. Many problems were encountered so the committee looked into the possibility of purchasing an older building and remodeling it. Members of the Legion and Auxiliary were called together and it was voted to buy the Brammer Furniture Building in Wawasee Village, which had originally been built as a roller skating rink by Keith Cripe. In January 1975 the move was made and after years of hard work, the mortgage on the present building was burned on April 18,1987.

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