From The Files of

The Seminole Producer

Seminole Police Chief Harry Wakefield told city civic club members Tuesday that during his police career he has seen several acts of police brutality, and such acts will not be tolerated in the Seminole department.

The new chief, who took over duties at the police department here March 1, spoke before a crowd of some 100 persons at the chamber of commerce monthly noon civic forum in the Harvest House.

“A police chief should have strict guidelines about police force for his patrolmen to work under,” Chief Wakefield said. “A policeman breaking these rules should be punished.

“While I was working as a rookie and patrolman I saw several brutal acts by police. I told myself then that if I ever got into a commanding position that I would not allow this type of thing to occur on my force.”

Chief Wakefield told the crowd several stories about what he termed “uncalled for police brutality.” He related stories about prisoners being beaten with clubs and in some instances being killed because officers did not use their heads.

“Little incidents can develop into big ones when a patrolman does not use his head and keep his cool,” Wakefield said. “Even a minor traffic arrest can develop into a confrontation between the citizen and patrolman unless the policeman is courteous during the arrest.”

Chief Wakefield said policemen should use caution in using any type of deadly force such as a billy-club or pistol. “A policeman can be tried in civil and criminal court for careless actions,” the chief added.

The chief indicated that proper police administration can clear up uncalled for police force. Chief Wakefield since taking duties here has developed guidelines for his officers in proper procedures for making arrests, using emergency lights and firing firearms. -oOo The Seminole Chieftains defeated errorplagued Bristow here Thursday afternoon, 6-3, killing a long 16 game losing streak which has troubled the SHS baseball program for the past two seasons.

The victory also was the first win for the Chieftains this season under new coach Mike Snyder. Seminole is now 1-2 in season play.

Seminole’s last baseball victory was recorded in 1971 when the Chiefs edged Harrah, 11-10. Last year the Chiefs finished with a 0-10 record.

An Arkansas product, Don Higdon, who moved to Seminole this season, sparked the Chieftains to their long-awaited victory. Higdon, a left-handed hurler, fired 12 strike outs, and gave up only one walk and one hit as he nailed the game’s winning pitcher title for SHS.

Bristow scampered to a 3-0 lead scoring two runs in the first inning and one in the second. Seminole chalked up its first run in the third frame when out-fielder Kevin Graham knocked a base hit, advanced two bases on wild throws, then slid home on a Bristow error.

The fourth inning proved to be an explosive one for the Chiefs. Higdon got a single and then Kenny Stiffler socked a single but a Bristow error advanced both runners.

SHS catcher Gary Lee knocked a single scoring Higdon and Stiffler to tie the contest 3-3. Outfielder David Tiger followed Lee to the mound and hit a single and again a Bristow error advanced the two Chiefs to third and second.

Another Bristow error allowed both to escape home on the next pitch. When the dust cleared in the fourth, Seminole held a 5-3 advantage.

Bristow tried in vain to score in the last three innings, but nifty field work by the Chiefs left the Pirates hungry.

Higdon scored Seminoles final run in the fifth inning. He smacked a triple and then was knocked home on a base hit by Lee. -oOo A Quad-County Retreat is scheduled for Camp Goddard near Sulphur, March 23-25. The retreat will get underway Friday evening and adjourn after lunch Sunday. Teen 4-H leaders, county council members and adult leaders from Okfuskee, Hughes, Pontotoc and Seminole counties recently planned the weekend activities. A registration fee of $9.50 will cover room and board and insurance. Checks should be made out to Seminole County OSU Extension Center.

The theme “4-H-AWAKE” will be carried out in motivation, imagination and recreation activities and a field trip is planned for a nearby area.

Each county is limited to twenty-eight (28) 4-H’ers, 8th through 12 grades, and adult leaders. Registration fees will be taken on a first come, first served basis without regard to race, color, creed, sex or national origin.

The counties may adjust their limits so full utilization of the camp can be made. Transportation details will be worked out after completion of registration.

Each retreat participant will need to furnish everyday school clothes, bedroll or linens, toilet articles, musical instruments, etc.

-oOo The name of Mrs. Ruby Lovelady being inadvertently omitted again in a Producer story… Mrs. Lovelady will attend the South Central region of the National Federation of Democratic Women’s annual meeting in Oklahoma City April 5… Glen Hayden making big strides in Operation Pride… Many “eyesores” in the city have already been done away with.