COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- James G. Jackson, who served the Columbus Division of Police as its first Black chief, died Thursday, according to the city's police union. He was 91.
Jackson worked with the division for 51 years, spending 19 of those as its chief, a position he accepted in June 1990. That tenure made him the city's longest-serving police chief.
He joined the police force in March 1958, but the former Marine was first turned down for service when a doctor failed to properly perform his physical, saying Jackson had a bad grip.
"He gave me his hand and as he went to his knees, he indicated that I had a fine grip," Jackson said in 2018.
Jackson was one of two Black officers in his recruiting class and worked his way up the ranks, serving as a sergeant, lieutenant and deputy chief before accepting the chief post. When he was promoted to lieutenant in 1971, he started the department's first minority recruiting unit.
"His unwavering commitment to the community and steadfast leadership left a profound impact on our Divison," Fraternal Order of Police President Brian Steel wrote in a statement. "His integrity and dedication to public safety were unwavering, and his leadership set a standard for generations of officers to follow."
Jackson retired on March 16, 2009. He was recognized by the city with the dedication and renaming of the Columbus police academy to the James G. Jackson Columbus Police Academy.
He was named to the Columbus Hall of Fame in 2018.
"His leadership, courage and integrity made Columbus a safer place," Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther wrote in a statement. "He left an indelible mark on our neighborhoods, reflected by the training academy named in his honor... His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched and the community he impacted. I wish his family my heartfelt condolences, as well as my sincere thanks for sharing him with the people of Columbus for five decades of service.”
Current Columbus Division of Police Chief Elaine Bryant is the second Black person to hold the post.
“Chief Jackson was not only a trailblazer for this division, but also a respected leader who inspired many officers throughout their careers," Bryant wrote in a statement.
