The Miami Times

THE SPECTATOR SALUTES OFFICER J. J. FRINKS

Another among the several stalwarts on our local police force is Officer Jacob Jefferson Frinks, a ten year man on the force, which makes him eligible for the ten year police pin for meritorious service. Officer Frinks boasts one of the most colorful careers of all of the local guardians of the law.

Officer Frinks became a member of the force just a few weeks after it was organized. From that time he has maintained a very fine record and has performed the many duties assigned him in a manner that's worth pointing to with pride.

A resident of Miami for the past 19 years, Officer Frinks now holds the rank of patrolman first class, a rating which he has held for sometime.

At the present time, he serves as desk clerk at the local precinct and works on shift two. Officer Frinks has been on the desk for the past three years.

Frinks lives at 1020 NW 66th st., and because of his very friendly personality, has long been a popular figure among his many neighbors, his fellow officers as well as the community which he serves. Officer Frinks is a member of Mt. Tabor Baptist Church.

Among the several times during which Frinks has distinguished himself in the performance of his duties as a police officer was in the case several years ago of the Mishler Brothers (Nick and Sam) two Syrians, who formerly operated a grocery and meat market at the northwest corner of NW 2nd ave. and 8th st. Long-time residents of Miami will recall the incident in which the Mishler Brothers beat up a Negro employee, one night, who attempted to intervene in order to prevent Nick from getting fresh with a young girl at their store.

The case touched off a near riot in that vicinity, and for a time feeling ran high among a large crowd that had gathered there. It was Officer Frinks who was first on the scene and who arrested the Mishler Brothers and quelled what could have been a very serious racial incident. The brothers were fined heavily for their assault. Shortly after, their business was picketed by members of local community organizations and within a few days, the brothers were forced out of business because of lack of patronage.

In this case Officer Frinks single handed performed one of the finest and most efficient bits of police work ever witnessed in this community. He deserves much commendation for this as well as his other notable duties.

This column is happy to salute Officer Frinks upon his fine service as a member of our police force.

Next week this column will salute another outstanding member of our police force.