Asheville Police Department Prepares to Celebrate 150 Years of Service and History

Asheville Police Department Gears Up for 150th Anniversary

Asheville is buzzing with excitement as the Asheville Police Department (APD) approaches its 150th anniversary in 2025. With such a significant milestone on the horizon, department leaders thought it was the perfect moment to take a stroll down memory lane and delve into the rich history of the department. However, there was a little hiccup along the way.

“When they began digging for information, they soon realized, ‘Hey, we don’t really have a history put together,’” shares Hannah Silberman, the APD’s accreditation manager and self-described “history nerd.” Since 2015, Silberman has been deeply involved with the department and has informally become the go-to person for all things historical related to the APD. Recognizing the need to organize this history, a six-member research committee formed in June 2023. This committee, led by Jimmy Wingo, the department’s law enforcement technology specialist, is working diligently to produce a 200-page book that captures the essence of the APD, starting from its inception in 1875.

A Treasure Trove of History

In her role, Silberman has approached the project with enthusiasm, exploring various avenues for information. She reached out to retired officers and their families, sought input from the community, and dug up whatever historical archives the department managed to preserve after extensive renovations in 1998. As a result, Silberman’s office closet is not just a storage space but rather a treasure trove, filled with vintage uniforms, badges, photographs from as far back as 1904, newspaper clippings, and more.

Silberman has already completed over 70 pages of the book, chronicling the department’s tales all the way to the 1920s. She is eager to gather even more material for the book. If you have any historical items or photographs related to the APD, especially from the 1930s to the 1980s, she would love to hear from you at hsilberman@ashevillenc.gov.

Diving into Old Newspaper Archives

One of the most enjoyable aspects for Silberman has been browsing through old newspaper articles, particularly those from the Asheville Citizen and the Asheville Times. These papers gave a lively account of the department’s activities throughout its early years, and she’s discovered delightful and sometimes quirky stories along the way. The way journalists wrote during that era adds a unique charm, filled with colorful prose and captivating anecdotes.

Interestingly, during the first half-century, the APD had a rotation of police chiefs due to the annual elections for the chief’s position until civil service reforms set it up as an appointed role in the 1930s. The first police chief was Ambrose Featherston, who was originally a saloon keeper!

Honoring Contributions from the Community

Among the many fascinating stories that have emerged is that of George Greenlee, a Black private detective who often collaborated with the APD in the early 20th century. His connections within the Black community proved invaluable in solving crimes that the predominantly white police force could not manage alone.

“There are lots of articles about him, and so I have a whole page on him in the book,” Silberman says. “He provided a crucial service to the community.” It’s stories like these that enrich the upcoming book, showcasing the often-overlooked contributions of various individuals in the department’s history.

Looking Forward

The committee is also making plans to address more recent history in the APD, including the staffing crisis and protests following various national events. “We aim to present everything as truthfully as possible,” Silberman assures. “The story is what it is.”

A Community Effort

Rae Ferguson, a retired lieutenant with the APD, is on the committee too. After serving for 28 years, she brings a wealth of experience and perspective to the project. By engaging with retired officers and gathering their stories and artifacts, the committee hopes to create a comprehensive and engaging history that reflects on the APD’s past and its trajectory toward the future.

As Asheville prepares to celebrate this significant milestone, the APD is eager to not just honor its storied past but also foster connections within the community. Whether it’s through personal memorabilia held by families of officers or exciting tales uncovered in dusty archives, the upcoming book promises to be a heartwarming tribute to 150 years of service and dedication.