Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Historical Recognition topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Havre de Grace recognizes Lawrence 'Butch' Ringgold as city's first Black police officer and Vietnam casualty
Summary
The council honored Lawrence 'Butch' Ringgold, sworn in as a Havre de Grace police officer in 1965 and killed in Vietnam on May 17, 1966; family members and longtime friends shared memories and the city pledged to restore and display his portrait at the police station.
Havre de Grace — The Havre de Grace City Council recognized the service and life of Lawrence "Butch" Ringgold on Nov. 4, reading a resolution of respect and hearing testimonies from friends and family.
Council member Jones read biographical remarks and family members, including a sister and longtime friends, recalled Ringgold’s community involvement, his service in the Army and his role teaching swimming and encouraging youth. Emile Cromwell and Bobby Parker described childhood memories and Ringgold’s character. The mayor read a formal resolution stating Ringgold was sworn into the Havre de Grace Police Department in 1965 and died in Vietnam on May 17, 1966.
Mayor William T. Martin and council members pledged to locate and reinstall a portrait of Ringgold in the police-station lobby and to ensure the family’s history is preserved. Family members offered a portrait they said they would dedicate; the council welcomed this and discussed producing a display honoring his service.
The recognition was presented as a public moment to restore lost local history and acknowledge Ringgold’s service to the city and country.
