On This Date in Minnesota History: October 25

October 25, 1892 – “James H. Burrell, a former Pullman porter, was appointed to the St. Paul Police Department. (20 years before the first Black officer was appointed in New York City.) This was twenty-nine years after the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863. As far as can be documented, Officer Burrell was the first Black officer on the police force. ‘From the time of his appointment he served continuously at the Rondo Sub-Station and won the respect and confidence of his colleagues and superior officers by his faithful and meritorious performance at all times.’"

http://www.spphs.com/history/griffin/chapter2.php

http://www.spphs.com/history/griffin/chapter2.php