SUFFOLK
William Freeman was kicking in the door of a burning house when Capt. Dean Smith first saw him 20 years ago.
Freeman wasn't required on the scene of the fire, he was just there to help out. It proved to be Freeman's style through the years, said those who have worked with him. He showed up at traffic stops, dropped in on disturbances and worked alongside detectives he supervised.
Freeman, a 37-year police veteran who rose from rookie to the force's highest rank, will retire on Jan. 1.
"It's safe to say they don't make police chiefs like Chief Freeman anymore," said Debbie George, city spokeswoman and former police lieutenant. "He wasn't driven by ambition. He served at every level of the department, a lot of times blazing the way for others."
Freeman was not available for comment Tuesday but sent an e-mail to his department late Monday.
"It has truly been an honor and privilege to have served with some of the most dedicated loyal and professional employees of this city for over 37 years," he wrote.
Freeman was hired on Nansemond County's 10-member police force in 1971 after serving in Vietnam, washing dishes at Obici Hospital and working for Newport News Shipbuilding. He joined the Suffolk Police Department when Nansemond County and the city of Suffolk merged in 1974.
Freeman often served as the highest-ranking black on what was a predominantly white force. The job was not without its challenges; Freeman filed a discrimination suit against the city in his early years with the department because he was not paid as much as white officers. Suffolk eventually settled the suit.
Freeman worked in the patrol division, the detective bureau and the special investigations unit, and he led the uniform service division. He was promoted from captain to major in February 1996, becoming second in command under Chief Gilbert F. Jackson.
Freeman took over as acting chief of the 116-member force when Jackson retired less than five months later. He was anxious at first, Freeman said in an interview with the Pilot at the time, "but I realized the officers are going to continue to do the job. And I am going to continue to support the officers and to provide the services the city needs."
Though he lacked the necessary bachelor's degree, Freeman was one of five finalists for the top job in 1996 - and the only local cop. The city instead hired a 29-year police veteran from Mississippi that year.
Freeman was again named acting chief in July 2001. He got the post permanently the following January when the city nixed a nationwide search.
"I've had two opportunities to see him perform as director of that department," then-City Manager Myles E. Standish told the Pilot at the time. "Thirty years of experience is extremely valuable and is probably the equivalent of a Ph.D. in law enforcement."
Freeman is highly regarded among members of his command staff, described often as a consummate and compassionate leader who shuns the spotlight and lets others know where they stand.
"He was not afraid to help anybody," said Wally Bunker, a retired lieutenant who worked with Freeman for 22 years. "Even the criminals, he cared about them. He didn't feel like all of them were destined to be locked in prison."
Kristin Davis, (757) 222-5555, kristin.davis@pilotonline.com
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What a Guy!!
I have worked with, along side of, as his supervisor as his friend and he was and still is the same old Bill Freeman that I respected as a true Police Officer for many years.
Yep, I remember the suit he and other black officers brought against the City over pay discrepancy. This was a suit that never should have been because there should have never been a discrepancy in the first place.
As I told many officers throughout my 33 years in law enforce, "If you don't look out for yourself, no one else will".
Congratulations Bill Freeman, You deserve this!!!!!!
A friend and colleague
Bill
promote within
There's no better practice than promoting within the dept's existing administration. Those supervisors are familiar with the city, it's citizens, it's activities, it's patrolmen, it's city govt and so on. When you bring in a person from the outside it automatically causes a small uproar within the ranks and poses the new chief some unnecccessary battles. I know there are several quite capable officers presently on the force that will lead the dept in the right direction in years to come. I bet Chief Freeman is looking forward to marking 10-7 for one last time come January 1st. Have a great retirement!
The next choice is clear.
I congratulate the Chief on a job well done.
Now...as to his replacement...let's NOT go on another nation-wide talent hunt.
Out of 116 men and women who currently serve, I am sure that there are more than a few who have the skills, education and character necessary to become the next Chief of Police for Suffolk.
If the City Administration thinks otherwise, I think they are sadly mistaken, and their own judgment should be seriously evaluated.
Ignoring local talent not only undermines the morale of those on the force, but ignores the fact that the "best of the crop" are usually "home-grown".
Blessings, Chief Freeman
And Chief Jacocks, in Virginia Beach, you need to get this man to address your Oceanfront precinct on how to better handle race relations.
Honor to have worked with Chief Freeman
Good luck in retirement chief and it truly was an honor to have worked with a man of integrity and extensive knowledge in his field.
Enjoy your retirement…you have earned it.
A Great Chief!
Chief Freeman is a good and kind man who has served Suffolk with excellence. He has done wonders for Hall Place and other areas of Suffolk within his powers and we will miss him dearly. Our hope and desire is that humble, salt of the earth Suffolk, will promote from within. We wish you the best in your retirement, and yes, your phone will still ring for advice for years.
The search is on.....
I certainly hope that Suffolk does its homework better in selection of its next chief than it did when it hired Jimmy Wilson. For those who don't remember, Wilson was a retired DC cop with ties to Marion Barry, who promoted friends and tried everything he could to get rid of his enemies. He was part of federal lawsuits elsewhere when hired in Suffolk and his management style forced good people to leave or retire. That should not happen again. Chief Freeman somehow managed to stay, although he threatened to retire several years ago while Wilson was at the helm. Thankfully, Chief Freeman stayed. The city manager needs to move very cautiously and do the background to ensure the new chief is good for the department. Cast off DC cops are a joke. Norfolk, Portsmouth and Suffolk found that out the hard way.