On Friday, November 30 th , Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police and Savannah Police Department
partnered to recognize and celebrate Lt. John White, 92, as the first African-American police officer in the
State of Georgia. Police leaders from across the State as well as local, State and Federal officials paid tribute
to Lt. White.
White joined the United States Marine Corps as soon as he graduated from high school. Upon completion of
basic training at Montford Point on July 4, 1943, he served in the Pacific Theatre throughout the war including
Guam, Eniwetok, Funafuti, and the Ellice Islands.
When he returned home, Lt. White was attending Georgia State College (now Savannah State University) in
1946 when Savannah Police Chief James Rogers recruited him to join the department. After four months of
training, John White was the first of nine African American recruits to be sworn in. This group is now known
as the “The Original Nine”.
For the next 37 years, he served his community with distinction. He was instrumental during the civil rights
movement with preventing the level of violence that was seen in many jurisdictions around the country.
However, one of his proudest accomplishments was helping to steer young men from a life of crime. White
retired in 1984 at the rank of Lieutenant.
When President Joseph Wirthman learned of Lt. White’s dedication, sacrifices, and service to his country and
community he requested the GACP Board officially recognize Lt. White for his momentous and historic ac-
complishments.
During the presentation, Wirthman told the audience, “Throughout his service to the City of Savannah and
his entire life, John White has distinguished himself with character and discipline. He has served as a role
model for his fellow officers and citizens in his community. Because of John White and the historic trail he
has blazed, the police profession has grown and improved. Because of John White, this City, State, and
Nation are better. There is no way I, or many of us here today, can even imagine the immense hardships
and adversities you have experienced. We can only say thank you, we will be eternally grateful for your
service and sacrifice. For this, you will always have our undying respect and admiration.” Savannah’s Director
of Police Services, Roy Minter expressed his personal thanks to Lt. White “for allowing individuals like me
to be able to stand on your shoulders and be able to carry on your legacy and your history her in the city of
Savannah.”
After receiving awards from the Wirthman and Minter as well as accolades from others in attendance, Lt.
White told a few stories of his time as a police officer. He went on to say, the ‘Original Nine’ officers “changed
the course of history and I am proud of it and to be a part of it.”
www.gachiefs.com • Page 22 • 1st Quarter Newsletter