79-02-B5
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A Policeman
TranscriptToday, I'd like to talk about a man, one of those rare men who leave the world a little better than it was before they walked among us. I'll be right back. Every once in a while, I take the 20-minute flight from Los Angeles to San Diego, usually to address a convention of one kind or another. I always enjoy the visit. San Diego is a beautiful part of our California Southland. Recently, I made such a trip and while the beauty was unchanged one thing was sadly different. A familiar face was missing at plane-side when I came down the ramp. Officer Gene Spurlock of the San Diego Police was not on hand. He'd been laid to rest the day before my visit. Gene became a policeman in 1966 at age 29. In all the years I was governor, he would be one of those on hand whenever I visited San Diego. For a long time, I didn't know he always asked for the assignment. I was very proud when I found that out. A former high school athlete in San Diego, he still holds the Lincoln High School broad jump record. Gene insisted on serving in the run-down southeast part of the city where he was born. He became the most decorated officer on the force, but he was much more than that. Probably no man on the force has ever been more loved and respected by his fellow officers. He was also loved, respected and totally trusted by the people in the district he served. At his memorial service, the police chaplain said, "His ability to bridge the chasm between races and between all people was uncanny. He had what could be called a natural knowing in handling delicate matters involving tensions between the races. He had the ability to create a trust whether arresting them or giving them the last five bucks he had in his pocket." Unquote. Another tribute came from Mama Williams, a black woman of great dignity who'd had her share of troubles. She said, quote, "He was my friend. How many people can say they had one?" Unquote. Her seven-year-old grandson said, "He gave me my nickname Tiger. Just say he was my friend." He believed in justice. He would tear the town apart to clear someone he believed was wrongfully accused. Sometimes he paid the bail for the very individuals he'd arrested. About five years ago he was attacked by a painful disease, Reiter's Syndrome. Still, he refused to take a less demanding assignment. He stayed with his people, in his neighborhood. Gene met his wife Betty Lou when they were in sixth grade. He married her when they were in the twelfth grade. Betty tells how their home was open house on weekends. Black, brown and white, his people would gather just to talk to or have him fix their cars. He was good at that. It was only when his illness grew serious that anyone knew he'd been caring for several needy families for years. He and Betty knew a great love for 24 years. They have a fine son and two lovely daughters. Gene Spurlock was a legend in the force he was proud to serve. This is Ronald Reagan. Thanks for listening.
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