Charlotte's "One-Armed" Police Officer

What a treasured piece of Charlotte police history that almost went undiscovered.

When I was working on the first memorial video to honor the 30 Charlotte officers who have died in the line of duty, I contacted a friend of mine, an amazing genealogist, whenever I needed clarification on a date or name spelling -- I was trying to be as thorough as possible. This was long before my video would come to rest on the desk of two CMPD directors and would eventually be viewed by the CMPD Command Staff.

I asked my genealogist friend, Kat, for help on the Chief of Detectives Joseph E. Orr's name, and she sent me a newspaper article from the Charlotte Observer dated March 20, 1932.

And here's the big surprise....this article wasn't about the fallen officer in my video, Joseph E. Orr, but rather, his FATHER, Joseph L. Orr. Turns out CMPD fallen officer Joseph E. Orr's father was also a police officer for the Charlotte Police Department, and he served and protected the citizens of Charlotte with only ONE ARM!

Below are a few highlights from the original newspaper article written by Mrs. Sam Presson which left me in awe of this AMAZING Charlotte police officer, Joseph L. Orr:

A little background

• Joseph L. Orr was born on March 13, 1835 in Sugaw Creek township of Mecklenburg County. 
• He was one of nine children. 
• Mr. Orr served in the Civil War with his five brothers and lost his arm in the Battle of Chancellorsville.
• Due to his injuries, Mr. Orr could no longer serve and was sent home with an honorable discharge.

Union troops in the trenches at Chancellorsville
Photo Credit: http://thisweekinthecivilwar.com/

The one-armed police officer

• In 1866, this one-armed veteran, Joseph L. Orr, joined the Charlotte Police Department.
• He served on the Charlotte Police Department for 40 years. 
• Despite having only one arm, Mr. Orr was an excellent officer, arresting all offenders without regard to class or condition. He was always fair and fearless. 
• He was an expert with a revolver and in times of riot, which were not infrequent in reconstruction days, he never hesitated to use his gun when it was necessary. 

One of Joseph L. Orr's sons, Joseph E. Orr, followed in his father's footsteps and joined the Charlotte Police Department. According to the Officer Down Memorial Page, Joseph E, Orr served on the Charlotte Police Department for 15 years. Chief of Detectives Joseph E. Orr, was involved in an automobile accident with his partner, Detective John Byers, on September 28, 1926. The Chief of Detectives Orr succumbed to his injuries the following day, September 29, and his partner, Detective John Byers, died September 30. 

When Mr. Orr (senior) died on April 16, 1906, as a mark of esteem and respect, a policeman was placed at the door of Mr. Orr's home and remained on duty at his house until the funeral.  

I wish I could sit and have a conversation with Mr. Orr. I would like to shake his hand and say thank you.

Rest in piece sir and thank you for your service. You are being remembered 110 years after your death for your service to the citizens of Charlotte-Mecklenburg.

♥