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Thelma Graves promotedtoeanttwith dept.In describing her reason forhaving joined the IndianapolisPolice Department “Sergeant”Thelma Graves of 5211 Hines-ley, who was recently promoted to that rank, said her inspiration was one of the first Negro women on the force, - the late Mrs. Mary Baker.Sgt. Graves noted that she “always” wanted to join thedepartment since she knew ofthe great work Mrs. Baker didand the kind of lady she was. “I would call her a police lady,” the charming Sgt. Graves said.Sgt. Graves and Sgt. Thelma Sansbury were the first two Negro women to be promoted to their present rank.In her 25 years of service,Sgt. Graves has scored a number of “firsts” for Negroes.She was the first Negro woman to serve as a secretaryto any official in the police department meaning her present job with Inspector James Langsford i n personnel and training.She was the first Negro woman to be assigned to the downtown shoplifting detail - a postshe held for 13 years.She was the first Negro woman to be in charge of the pawn records in the detective division.She was the first Negro woman to be assigned to the community relations unit headed by Lt. Chester Coates.Her post with Lt. Coates was held until her recent promotion to secretary to Inspector Langsford.“I was very much surprisedand honored at getting the promotion. I won't do anything totarnish that (gold) badge,” Sgt.Graves said.She attended the sergeants school during the year and the police department sent her dur-SGT. THELMA GRAVES ing the spring to the Dale Carnegie School for Women.Off and on in her present position, Sgt. Graves will be wearing a navy blue police uniformand black shoes.“I would advise Negro women to go into police work because it gives them a chance to do something for someone else, because all police have a heart.“We are doctors, lawyers, mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters to the general public. We are there when everyone else is sleeping,” Sgt. Gravessaid emphatically.Her official workiner hoursare from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.but she admits to working “o-vertime” when it is necessary. “I would like to thank those who were responsible and thought I was worthy of being a sergeant,?* she asserted, adding: “I plan to stay with the police department. I am very happy in my present position and I have wonderful memories all through the department, along with some sadness.**A native of Rockford, 111., Sgt. Graves has lived in Indianapolis many years. She does a lot of civic work and helps the needy - anybody in need -through her church, St. John Missionary Baptist, or through the appropriate agencies.Sgt. Graves is a member of St. John's missionary circle and is president of the lady'sguild of the Eastside Christian Center. She is affiliated with Citizens Forum.Her spouse, Richard Graves, is a retired government employee. They have one daughter,Mrs. Beatrice Jenkins of 2525 Springfield. ]rCliattmF.A.CByELSA JACKSONBeginning with the Progres1 PlllK r
Newspaper Details
Indianapolis Recorder
Indianapolis, Indiana, US
Sat, Nov 16, 1968
Page 11
Full Page
Clipped by
Kokomo-Howard C.
IN, USA 05 Oct 2022
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