Edgar Pickett Jr. was the first black police officer on the force in Lakeland, a job he held for over 29 years.
But there was one day 50 years ago his career was almost cut short.
He shared the story - along with other stories from his career and his life with his wife of 64 years - with his son, Edgar Pickett III, at the Story Corps mobile booth in St. Petersburg this past January.
Music:
“Sherlock (Extended Remix)" - Fluid Vibraphonic
This week's StoryCorps Tampa Bay was produced by Lisa Peakes.
StoryCorps Tampa Bay airs every Monday on WUSF 89.7 at 8:35 a.m. during Morning Edition and at 5:44 p.m. during All Things Considered.
