x
Breaking News
More () »

St. Pete police officer who fought for racial equality dies

A former Florida police officer who helped lead the charge for black officers to have the same job opportunities as their white colleagues died Friday. Retired Officer Freddie L. Crawford died with his children by his side, according to the St. Petersburg Police Department. He was 81 years old. The department said Crawford was among a group of 12 black officers, known as the "Courageous 12," who filed a lawsuit in federal court against the city in May 1965. Retired Officer Leon Jackson, the last remaining survivor of the group, said it was Crawford's idea to sue.

Before You Leave, Check This Out