Orlando Police Department
Public Information Office
Media Releases
Bronze Statues
Unveiling Ceremony
Officer
Richard A. Jones
Officer
Belvin Perry Sr.
HONORING
Officer Richard A. Jones
&
Officer Belvin Perry, Sr.
SUMMARY: On Saturday, July 31, 2010 Commissioner Samuel B. Ings, commissioned the
building and erecting of two (2) statues in the roundabout at Wooden Boulevard
and Hankins Circle. This monument was dedicated to the legacy and memory of the
first African American Police Officers hired in 1951 to serve on the City of
Orlando Police Department. Officer Richard A. Jones resided at 834 Wooden
Boulevard and was the first black officer hired by the Orlando Police Department
on January 3, 1951. He was also the first black officer promoted to both the
rank of Sergeant and Lieutenant. He retired as a Lieutenant on April 3, 1976.
Officer Belvin Perry, Sr. resided at 918 Wooden Boulevard and was the second
black police officer to be hired by the Orlando Police Department on January 3,
1951. Officer Perry was the first black plain clothes detective. He retired
while working uniform patrol on April 4, 1976. Mayor Buddy Dyer, Sheriff Jerry
L. Demings, Chief Val. B. Demings, other elected officials and family members
attended to pay tribute to those who pioneered the way for future success and
opportunity.