By Felix Hoover

For YourNewsColumbus.com

Posted 03-16-09

Many men and women in the Columbus Division of Police have known only one top executive, Chief James G. Jackson.

His name will be familiar to future recruits because the Police Academy at 1000 N. Hague Ave., has been named in his honor.

Retired and active law officers who have known Jackson since his first day on the force, March 16, 1958, gathered with him, family members and others to bid farewell today to the city’s longest serving chief.

The mix included some of Jackson’s classmates at East High School, law-enforcement leaders from throughout the state, Mayor Michael B. Coleman and former Mayor Dana G. “Buck” Rinehart, the person who appointed Jackson chief.

Former Safety Director Larry James, and the Rev. Leon Troy, were on hand as well.

A plaque bearing Jackson’s likeness was unveiled during the ceremony, which was emceed by Commander Kimberley K. Jacobs, head of the academy.

She read off a list of Jackson’s accomplishments, which included No. 1 scores on promotion tests for sergeant, captain and deputy chief.

“Thank you for you guidance and leadership, not only for the Division of Police, but for the citizens of Columbus,” Jacobs said.

Jackson, the city’s first black chief, began service with the division “when he could not eat at certain restaurants in Columbus, a time when discrimination in this country was rampant,” Coleman said.

“He blazed a path for many people in this city, including myself,” Coleman said.

Although most of the ceremony was upbeat, a somber moment of silence marked the recent death of Lt. Jeffrey L. Puls, who died on duty Saturday of apparent natural causes. He was 57.