July 3, 2016  

July 4, 1922: First MCPD Posing in Front of Reed Brothers Dodge

This blog entry is posted today to commemorate the anniversary of the Montgomery County Police Department. It was 94 years ago on July 4, 1922 that the MCPD was first established. In those days, Montgomery County was farm country, sparsely populated, automobiles sharing dirt roads with horse-drawn wagons. But it was changing into a proper suburb, and there needed to be a police department.

Posing in front of Reed Brothers Dodge on July 4, 1922 Chief Charles Cooley, center, and his men of the first mounted unit of the Montgomery County Police Force, were on their first day of duty. (click image to enlarge)

The MCPD consisted of five officers and a Chief. Each of the officers was issued a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, a .38 Smith & Wesson handgun, a black jack, law book and was allotted $300.00 a year for the upkeep of their motorcycle.

Montgomery County Police Department

Pictured left to right: Earl Burdine, Lawrence Clagett, Guy Jones, Chief Charles Cooley, Leroy Rodgers, and Oscar Gaither. Photo by Lewis Reed

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About Reed Brothers

I am a co-owner of the former Reed Brothers Dodge in Rockville, Maryland. Lewis Reed, the founder of Reed Brothers Dodge was my grandfather. We were a family-owned and operated car dealership in Rockville for almost a century. I served in the United States Air Force for 30 years before retiring in the top enlisted grade of Chief Master Sergeant in July 2006. In 2016, I received the Arthur M. Wagman Award for Historic Preservation Communication from Peerless Rockville for documenting the history of Reed Brothers Dodge in both blog and book format. This distinguished honor recognizes outstanding achievement by writers, educators, and historians whose work has heightened public awareness of Rockville’s architectural and cultural heritage, growth and development.

2 responses to “July 4, 1922: First MCPD Posing in Front of Reed Brothers Dodge”

  1. Anita Adams says :

    Hi Jeanne. I’m not sure if you remember me. I am Anita Adams, Tommy’s widow. I just came across a post from 4 years ago and realized that my Great Uncle, Charles Cooley, is in the picture. I wanted to thank you for posting this as we do not have many pictures of him & others in my mother’s family. I didn’t know that you had this blog & have enjoyed browsing through it (briefly today). I am sure that I will return to look at it again, as I love Montgomery County history. Over the years, Tommy & Thomas have told me fond stories of your parents and siblings…..and also some of the history of Reed Brothers. I am leaving my email address as requested below, and look forward to seeing other posts in the future. Take care.

    Reply
    • Reed Brothers says :

      Hi Anita, Of course, I remember you. I really appreciate you stopping by and taking the time to leave such a nice comment. So happy you enjoy the blog!

      My Best Regards,
      Jeanne

      Reply

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