Nassau's first black police officer honored

Before Jackie Robinson joined the Brooklyn Dodgers and Martin Luther King Jr. made his famous speech, Lt. Dennis Ulmer overcame his own obstacles and became Nassau County's first black police officer.

In celebration of Black History Month and Ulmer's contributions, officers, county officials and his family gathered at the Nassau Police Museum Friday to unveil a tribute to the pioneer. Ulmer's service revolver, patrolman's badge and a biography now sit among other treasures at the museum.

"He didn't let anything keep him down," said Marjorie Ulmer, 67, a first cousin. "His house was like one of the precincts." She and others said people from all over reported crime directly to Ulmer and would even turn themselves in at his home in Roosevelt.

Serving from 1945 until 1969, Ulmer ascended the department ranks, rising from police officer to detective to sergeant to lieutenant.

Ulmer's second cousin, Nassau Police Det. Beth McKenzie, also attended the ceremony. She now wears Ulmer's original detective badge, number 54. "He taught me how not to be scared and that catapulted me into this kind of work," McKenzie said. "He was humble and dedicated to his work."

Ulmer died on Oct. 9, 1994, and is survived by his wife, Gertrude, who could not attend the event.

Ulmer's ability to connect with the neighborhoods he protected earned him the respect and trust of many.

Nassau Police Commissioner Lawrence W. Mulvey recalled that a man once went to Ulmer's home to surrender for crime he had committed. Ulmer fed, clothed, and let the man sleep for the night before taking him to the station house under arrest in the morning.

Ulmer was also a founder and leader of the Guardians of Nassau County, an organization for black police officers.

Eric Jenkins, a retired officer, served with Ulmer and said Ulmer fought to unite black officers and encouraged them to rise among the ranks. "He was great mentor and very thorough," Jenkins, 73, of Roosevelt, said.

County Executive Edward P. Mangano also attended the events. "We are very proud of Dennis," he said. "His courage, honor, and service will never be forgotten."

Deputy Insp. Lorna Atmore, president of the Guardians, said Ulmer's commitment and perseverance paved the way for others. "Walking in his footsteps is a true honor," she said.