On Monday, May 15, 1950, four Minneapolis Police Officers were commended for their service by Minneapolis Police Chief Thomas R. Jones.
The four recipients of the monthly commendation awards were Future Chief E.I. “Pat” Walling, Officer Merton W. Palmer, Officer M.J. Ward, and Officer R.F. Phillips.
Future Chief Walling led a special detail and received the Efficiency Award for his team’s work in lowering the incident rate of gambling and vice in Minneapolis.
Officer Palmer received the Courtesy Award on recommendation of Captain Roland who was head of the Traffic Division. Officer Palmer was mentioned in several citizen letters for his courteous actions while on traffic duty at Sixth Street and Hennepin Avenue downtown.
Officer M.J. Ward and Officer R.F. Phillips served in the Second Precinct. They each received the Efficiency Award for their work in apprehending two armed men after a hold-up.
The four officers and their wives were further honored at a celebratory dinner the following Monday evening at the Nicollet Hotel.
Photograph and story from the Minneapolis StarTribune of May 15, 1950