Fort Worth Police Historical Association

08/27/2026

*Preston L. Williams Display*

True to his word, we want to thank Detective Sundance of the FWPD for purchasing and donating the items that were listed on EBay for Officer Preston L. Williams! If you have followed us here, a few posts back we posted a display of other items found belonging to Officer Williams. After further investigation, we are able to post this sad story of a career cut short. The newspaper article is dated April 23, 1973. We thank Officer Williams for his service with the department.
(This style of the French blue uniform hat was worn in the 1960’s, with the color changing around the 1980’s when the department went to the dark navy uniform. The style of hat , still worn today, showed up in the 30’s . It had many different accessories and denoted various units or rank throughout the years with supervisors once wearing a white version of the hat.)

08/26/2026

*Officer Lisa Barksdale and Ollie-Officer Friendly Display*

We thank Officer Barksdale and Officer Friendly for all their hard work and the donation of Officer Ollie’s uniform he wore when they both visited schools, speaking and encouraging children in the community!

08/19/2026

“Take A Bit Out of Crime”

Here is one of our displays that
if you were around in the 70’s and 80’, you will remember the crunch sound McGruff made on the commercial when he was “taking a bit out of crime”

08/04/2026

Robert ‘Bob’ Denton
July 6, 1932 -June 18, 2026

Last week, the Denton/Sutherland family remembered
Retired Sgt. Bob Denton. In honor of his service, the Historical Association would like to share a few memories as well.

As one of the first, six founding members of the K-9 unit that started in 1962, our research discovered that Officer Bob, as known by thousands of school children, was cited for originating a series of programs about the FWPD. These programs, which were presented to schools, civic clubs, and television, ultimately won Denton the Officer Of The Year Award. On their off duty hours, Denton and other members of the squad, along with their K9 partners,
presented to more than 123,000 people between the years 1962-1964 alone. They also made the rounds at the local hospital, visiting the sick children and would leave a dog balloon and photo of the K9 and officer if a child was out of the room.

We will remember Mr. Denton for his sacrifice and efforts, going above and beyond during his time with the FWPD.
(All photos used here and on the police department’s page about Mr. Denton, are courteous of the Fort Worth Police Historical Association)

08/02/2026

The goal of the FWPHA is to one day have a museum where the public can come and enjoy the history of the department. As for now, our display collections are hung in the FW police academy in Fort Worth on Felix Street. If you would like to come and take a tour at anytime, free of charge, you must make an appointment. Please contact our President Marty Humphrey at [email protected] and she will be glad to assist you!

For now, we hope you continue to enjoy our Facebook posts we will try to make each week of the collections we have on display! We are constantly receiving donated items from officers and their families and we ask that you keep us in mind if you come across
any FWPD related items please.
Thank you so much !
Fort Worth Police Historical Association
Leslie Autrey
[email protected]

08/01/2026

07/22/2026

“Back Before Computers“Displays-

-The first 2 photos are donated items from the briefcase of Retired Sgt. Melvin P Whitworth(2/1/1947-2/28/1982)
The 3rd photo are items donated
from Retired Officer Ray F. Briggs
7/1/1944-1/25/1977 and Retired
Officer Preston L Williams(6/29/1950-4/15/1973)
We thank them for their service!

07/14/2026

This is now part of our K9 historical display at the Academy-
Retired Sgt. Steve Rogers and his K9 partner Satan!

06/29/2026

After doing some research and working with the FWPD K9 Patrol Unit, we were able to install a forgotten piece of history today! Retired K9 Officer Steve Rogers, along with the help of K9 Officer Matt Larremore, were able to lay the memorial stone for his K9 partner, Satan. We will continue to confirm that our memorials are as accurate as possible. Thank you Steve and Satan for your service to the Fort Worth Police Department!