Chief of Police Daniel Comeaux with victim family members at the street topper dedication. Photo courtesy of Chad West.
Today at the corner of North Zang Boulevard and West Davis Street, a tribute took place for the deaths of three men in 1963.
In collaboration with Dallas Police Department and Dallas Fire-Rescue, the City of Dallas held a joint ceremony to install Ceremonial Street Toppers. The toppers honor Dallas Police Officer Ray Underwood, Fire Captain William Jesse Jones and Firefighter Joseph Harrison Jones.
On Aug. 27, 1963, Captain Jones and Firefighter Jones were traveling eastbound on Davis Street in response to a fire alarm when they collided simultaneously in the intersection with Officer Underwood and his partner L.B. Kirkpatrick who was pursuing a wanted suspect northbound on Zang Boulevard in the high-burglary area.
Officer Underwood was killed while Officer Kirkpatrick was critically injured and the two firemen also died from the impact, according to an article from The Dallas Morning News. The fire alarm was proven to be a false alarm pulled at East Sixth and Denver Streets.
The ceremony paid tribute to their service and dedication to the citizens of Dallas, honoring the men who passed with their family members in attendance.
“Today we honor the bravery and sacrifice of Officer Underwood, Captain Jones, and Fireman Jones,” District 1 Council Member Chad West said. “Their commitment to protecting our community will never be forgotten, and these street toppers serve as a permanent reminder of their heroism.”
