TAMPA POLICE UNVEIL HISTORIC MONUMENT

On Saturday, April 3, 2021, the Tampa Police Department honored four former officers credited with changing the practices of the police department and the City of Tampa Government as well. The four former officers, Lt. Clarence Nathan, Sgt. Rufus Lewis,Cpl. Frank Gray, and Officer James Dukes filed an EEOC Complaint against the department alleging discrimination in 1974. In 1976, then Mayor Bill Poe signed a conciliatory agreement. In recognition of their quest for equal treatment, the City unveiled “the Fearless Four Historical Monument.” Among those in attendance at the event were shown seated: honorees, Clarence Nathan, James Dukes, Frank Gray, and Rufus Lewis. Shown standing from left to right are: Mayor Jane Castor, Chief Brian Dugan, former Chief Bennie Holder, City Councilman Orlando Gudes, retired officer Willie Monroe, retired Assistant Chief Tina Wright (Moderator), and retired Sgt. B. J. Curry. See Full Story on Page 2-A. (Photograph by Tonya Lewis).