The Times

2 TIMES/GUIDE Wednesday, January 5, 1977

Gables police officers express esteem for former boss

By ANA MARIA ALVAREZ Staff Writer "He is without a doubt the finest man I have ever worked for," said Coral Gables Patrolman Mike Maloy, a member of the Vice, Intelligence and Narcotics Squad. Maloy's statement seemed to echo throughout the Coral Gables Police Department as staff members talked about their former chief, William G. Kimbrough. Kimbrough, who first joined the Coral Gables Police Department in 1928 while he was a student at the University of Miami, retired on Dec. 31. He became chief 32 years ago when the department had a staff of 17 uniformed officers, and saw it blossom into the present staff of 130 officers and 40 non-uniformed personnel. Although many members of his staff didn't always agree with him — especially when it concerned their private lives — there seemed to be only praise for the 69-year-old lawman. "I have been here 17 years and think very highly of the man," said Capt. Charlie Salaski. "He was fair to every employe and treated us all alike." "The greatest thing about Chief Kimbrough is that you could always reach him, seven days a week. It is going to be a difficult job to find a person to sit behind his desk and fill his shoes," said Salaski. Kimbrough maintained an open door policy throughout his law enforcement career. In addition, his home has always been easily accessible to his personnel, as well as to the residents of Coral Gables. He is proud to say that his telephone number has been listed for the past 41 years. "I've worked for him for 28 years and, if anyone has ever had a better boss, I'd like to meet him," said Sgt. Harry Purcell. Nancy Powell, Kimbrough's first and only secretary, said she missed the chief already. "The office is quite empty without him," said Mrs. Powell. "He had a keen sense of humor and a hearty laugh. It was a real joy to work for him." Thelma Martin, Dorothy Gurbett and Mary Mooney have worked for the police department a total of 50 years and they too will miss Kimbrough. "I considered him a friend, a good boss and a wonderful person and you better believe I'm going to miss him," said Mrs. Martin. Capt. Don Clermont, who was hired by Kimbrough 26 years ago, said he was proud to have served under the chief. "He is a good man. His honesty and integrity are above reproach." Born in Thomston, Ala., where his father was a country doctor, Kimbrough turned down a football scholarship to the University of Alabama to attend the University of Miami. Kimbrough chose to retire without parties or festive farewells. Instead, he requested passes to the city's golf courses so he could take up the sport. '"He was fair to every employe and treated us all alike." Capt. Charlie Salaski' '"He is a good man. His honesty and integ-rity are above reproach." Capt. Don Clermont'

Manager got pressure from media on chief

From Page 1 "Even before I came to Coral Gables members of the news media would ask me what I was going to do about Kimbrough," said Gainer. "I was still working in Daytona Beach when I was first asked. So I guess you can say that I have been thinking about him and his retirement for a long time." Del Edwards, who has been with the department for 31 years, has been named acting chief of police, said Gainer, who added that he hopes to be able to select someone from the department to fill Kimbrough's position. "I'm prepared to take as long as it takes to find the qualified person to fill a very important job," said Gainer. "There is no pressure to fill this job immediately, and I want to make sure I find the best person available."

Times GUIDE

Florida's Best Suburban Newspaper Serving Coral Gables and South Dade Since 1926 Published Wednesday and Saturday Gables Publishing Co. 4627 Ponce de Leon Blvd. Coral Gables, Fla. 33146 (305) 666-7981 Price: 10 cents per issue, home delivered; $12.50 per year by mail anywhere in the United States. Controlled Circulation Postage Paid at Miami, Florida. Jim Storey General Manager Bea Moss Managing Editor

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