BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

On Tuesday, the first African American promoted to the rank of Major with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office died.  Retired Major Arnie Lee Myers, Jr., was 82 years old.

His daughter, Mrs. Adrienne Myers Comache said her father had been on dialysis for the past three years. He had completed his treatment at the center Tuesday, when he suffered a heart attack and did not recover from it.[private]

A native of Haines City, Major Myers attended the public schools of Polk County. He continued his education and earned an AA Degree in Political Science and Administration; a Bachelor’s Degree in Literature; and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration.

He served several years in the U. S. Army and in later decided to pursue a career in law enforcement. Major Myers joined the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office in January 1965. During his tenure, he became the first African American promoted to the rank of Major.

Major Myers received numerous awards and commendations during his 23-year career in law enforcement. He served as President of N.O.B.L.E. of Florida and was the recipient of the “Detective of the Year” Award.

He ended his career with retirement on May 24, 1988, and in his retirement letter to then Sheriff Walter C. Heinrich, Sr., Major Myers wrote, “I’ve enjoyed a law enforcement career in which I accomplished much more than originally expected.”

After retiring, Major Myers became a published author of 4 books; hosted a radio program entitled “The Law And You;” hosted a weekly television series entitled “The Two Way Street” on USF Channel 16; and wrote a column for the Florida Sentinel Bulletin.

Major Myers is survived by Mrs. Marye A. Herrington Myers, his wife of 51 years; 5 children; 16 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; and numerous other family members and friends.

Funeral services for Major Myers took place Monday (today) at 1 p.m., at Mt. Tabor M. B. Church. Stones Memorial Funeral Home was in charge of handling arrangements.[/private]