The Fort Walton Beach City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to direct staff to work toward getting Chester Pruitt Park designated as a Florida historical site, following an impassioned plea from longtime resident CC Fearson about the legacy of the city’s first black police officer.
- During the public comments period of the August 12 meeting, Fearson delivered a comprehensive history of Chester Pruitt, who was hired as Fort Walton Beach Police Department’s first black police officer in 1948 and became a full-time officer in 1951.
“Chester Pruitt broke barriers and gave an unforeseen hope to the black community,” said Fearson. “Most of his 15 years of service was during the segregated times of Jim Crow.”
When Pruitt was hired at the age of 34, the city’s population was reported at 2,436 and he was making $40 per week.
Fearson detailed the restrictions Pruitt faced during his service from 1948 to 1964. Although he held the title of police officer, Pruitt could only arrest Black people during that time period and had authority only to detain and question white suspects, but was forbidden to arrest them.
Despite these “inequalities,” Pruitt earned respect throughout the community, said Fearson. The police force described him as “a gifted mediator and a champion of youth” who was “loved and respected by all in the black community,” according to Fearson.
Pruitt’s career ended when a stroke forced his retirement in 1964. He died four years later. Pearson noted this achievement came a decade before Okaloosa County hired its first black deputy sheriff, Clifford Florence, in 1974.
- The community honored Pruitt by naming a park and recreation center, now called the Life Center, after him. Chester Pruitt Park includes a memorial “walk of fame” listing other black leaders from the community and serves as ceremonial ground for annual events including May Day, Super Youth Day, Easter egg hunts and back-to-school supply giveaways.
In 1996, the Friends of Chester Pruitt nonprofit organization was created to continue providing community service, with Pruitt’s wife serving as a founding member. The organization focuses on caring for senior citizens and youth, mirroring Pruitt’s community service approach.
Pruitt received state recognition in 2000 when he was honored as one of 385 influential “Great Floridians” by the Florida Department of State and Florida League of Cities. Pruitt is one of 8 from Okaloosa County on the list.
Following Fearson’s presentation, Councilmember Debi Riley immediately made a motion to direct staff to work toward getting Chester Pruitt Park designated as a Florida historical site through the Florida Department of State’s division of historical sites.
- “Chester Pruitt Park is near and dear to the community, and I 100% support it,” Riley said. “It’s been a legacy among many generations and many of our families that grew up here and resided in the area.”
The motion, seconded by Councilman David Schmidt, passed unanimously.
Fearson requested the community be allowed to form a committee to work with the city on the historical designation process. He said the community wants to ensure Chester Pruitt Park remains at its current location permanently and that Pruitt’s legacy continues to be protected and respected.
The Chester Pruitt Park was previously identified as a possible location for the new city hall building, along with the existing City Hall property at 107 Miracle Strip Parkway S.W. and the now-sold Lowery Place property.
We have updated this story to include information about Chester Pruitt Park previously being identified as a potential site for the new city hall.
