Pensacola’s Lawman
The distinguished career of Riley Simmons From the book, “Some Gave All,” (coming soon) Riley Simmons was born in Pollard, Alabama on August 5, 1880 to Richmond and Cynthia Simmons. […]
The First Sheriff of Escambia County, Florida
Henri Pierre 1821 In the annals of West Florida’s law enforcement history, few figures embody the transitional turbulence of the early American frontier as compellingly as Henri Duvivier Peire—better known
Justice is Served
The death of Escambia County, Florida Deputy Joseph Gassman Deputy Sheriff Joseph Gassman was born in 1910 in Pensacola and he grew up in the same town. In his heart
The Legendary Bass Reeves
Bass Reeves – even the name sounds ominous. In the Old West during the 18930s, it was ominous. Bad guys didn’t want to cross him and those with warrants feared
End of Watch: The Death of Okaloosa County Sheriff John Summerlin
Two important events occurred when John was 28 years old. First, in 1915, a new county was formed from Santa Rosa and Walton counties. Okaloosa County was created. Further, Governor
End of Watch: The Murder of Deputy Charles Wilkerson, Escambia County, Florida Sheriff’s Department
By Mike Simmons From the book, “Some Gave All,” coming soon on Amazon. On Saturday night, January 19, 1974, Vernon Cooper and Steve Ellis pulled an armed robbery at the
End of Watch: The Death of Pensacola Police Officer Herbert Hatcher
from the book “Pensacola’s Finest,” available on Amazon One of the darkest days – perhaps the darkest day – in the story of the historic Pensacola Police Officer occurred on
End of Watch: Officer Jason Goen
Okaloosa County, Department of Corrections, Florida End of Watch Friday, January 1, 2021 “Officer Jason Goen was effortlessly kind, receptive, supportive and naturally gifted as an officer,” said a co-worker. But
Podcast: Murder at Magnolia Bluffs
A true story. Why was Henry Moore killed? Did Gretchen Gregory have anything to do with it? Was Henry’s wife – Eulalie – behind it? After all, she had just
End of Watch: The Death of Pensacola Police Captain William Etheridge
December 26, 1908 William Thomas Etheridge was born in July 30, 1851 in Conecuh County, Alabama. On November 12, 1871, he married Nannie Bradley in his home county. To this