History is “best remembered by those who were there,” but in lieu of eyewitnesses, hours of research revealed much to Juarez, especially as he prepared biographical information for Norman. Noting one tenet of the Rotary 4-Way Test as it applies to historical research, Juarez noted, “Is it the truth? Quite possibly....”
Juarez displayed renderings of the memorial, and described the donation program crafted to ensure that each SPPD staffer is recognized with an inscribed brick leading to the memorial, which has a serene and scenic location.
Juarez spoke of Marshal Norman and Officer Barmore, noting details of both incidents that brought their End of Watch. He also showed a map that demonstrated the close proximity where each died. Juarez displayed a SPPD identification card of Barmore’s widow, Betty Jean, who “showed a lot of courage” as a single mother by going to work as a SPPD dispatcher following her husband’s death.
The uniformed Juarez offered a PowerPoint of the history of the SPPD, its chiefs, department personnel and challenges, and noted that before 1923 citizens had a series of marshals oversee their well-being. Combing through city minutes and resolutions starting in 1902 and photographs, Juarez addressed personnel, equipment and stations, even showing a vintage photo of a so-called “sputter wagon” - an early patrol vehicle.
Decade to decade Juarez highlighted challenges faced by the SPPD and its leaders, from the 1928 collapse of the St. Francis Dam when Lee Sheppard was the department’s first chief (1923 to 1928) to the 1970s, when unrest led to weekends of rioting in the city and headaches for Chief Tull.
Juarez made stops at interesting tidbits: the film career of second Chief Thornton Edwards (1929 to 1939), the Hero of the St. Francis Dam; circa 1930s SPPD letterhead noting the address as 133 N. Mill St.; the creation of the Santa Paula Police Boys Club by Chief Thomas Moore (1947 to 1953), the precursor to the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley; and the disgraced Chief George Weiner (1956-1957) who resigned after accusations of trying to open the city up to vice.
The SPPD’s proud legacy of K9s was also highlighted, with Juarez humorously noting, “People just love the dogs... they don’t care as much about the cops, but they love the dogs!” Juarez detailed more programs, projects and personnel of the department that have made the Santa Paula Police Department the icon of the community it remains to this day.
The SPPD Memorial, a 10-foot tall obelisk to be located just west of the historic Depot, will featured bas-relief plaques featuring portraits of Officers Norman and Barmore and their biographies. Placed between two tall flagpoles, the obelisk - reached by a walkway paved with and set upon a foundation of inscribed bricks - will also have SPPD badges and patches placed on opposing sides.
Following his presentation, Henderson presented Juarez with a $500 donation from the historical society for the Santa Paula Police Memorial. Donation checks - please note SPPD Memorial on the memo line - can be made out to and sent to Santa Paula Police & Fire Foundation, P.O. Box 162, Santa Paula, CA 93061-0162. Donations are tax deductible.
For more information call Juarez at 525-4474 ext. 115.
