Book captures police department's history in vintage photographs

Date: 8/12/2009

By G. Michael Dobbs

Managing Editor



EAST LONGMEADOW Did you know that Springfield Police Department was the first to adopt a motorized vehicle? And that "paddy wagon" was built in the City of Homes?

Those are just two of the interesting facts revealed in a new book about the Springfield police by local historian - and former police officer - Jack Hess.

A Springfield native and East Longmeadow resident, Hess has written books on East Longmeadow, the Knox automobile company and firefighting equipment. When he saw a book written about the history of the Springfield Fire Department, he was inspired to write one on the police.

"I've been into history all of my life," Hess told Reminder Publications. "It's a big part of my life."

Unlike his other books, Hess said that he wanted to publish "Pictorial Memories of the Springfield Police Department" himself and worked with a printer in Monson, who can deliver small runs of the hardcover book when Hess needs them.

"I wanted to do it all my way," he said of the decision to self-publish

Early reaction to the book has been heartening to Hess.

"The police never had anything like it," he said. "Everyone is raving about it."

The most important approval came from Springfield Police Commissioner William Fitchet, who also assisted Hess with research materials.

The lavishly illustrated 150-page book starts with the very beginning of the city and the appointment of constables. Hess then takes the reader through the 18th and 19th centuries and focuses most of the book on the last 100 years. Hess traces the change in headquarters, equipment and uniforms of the city's officers.

He also makes note of each of the police chiefs. He knew former Chief Raymond Gallagher very well, he said.

The project took Hess a year-and-half to complete and the photos and postcards came from his own collection, with additional information and materials coming from the Connecticut Valley Historical Museum, the Springfield Police Department and from the collections of retired officers.

That first paddy wagon was delivered to the department in 1905. It was built, Hess, explained, in 1904 but its display at a car show in New York City delivered its arrival to the department. Because Knox was based in Springfield, the Springfield police found themselves on the cutting edge of automotive technology at the turn of the 20th century.

Hess's book is not yet available in any store, but can be bought for $40 per copy from Hess himself. Contact him by phone at 525-6782 or e-mail at jysmhess@webtv.net.