Jan. 15, 2008 — Friends and family are mourning the death of Former Police Chief George A. Washington, who died Saturday at age 83.
Washington, affectionately known as "Speedy George," was known for riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle while on police patrol, said Melody Rames, V.I. Police Deparment spokeswoman. But the nickname had nothing to do with speeding.
Washington, Rames said, explained that he got his nickname as a student during a schoolyard fight and with opponents bigger than he was.
"I wouldn't back away, but as soon as I realized I was getting tired, I'd start running and no one could catch me," Rames recalled Washington saying. "That's how he got his name."
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Jan. 25 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Viewing will begin at 10 a.m.
Washington was born on St. Croix and attended St. Patrick's Catholic School in Frederiksted. He joined the police department in 1952 at age 27 as a police officer but resigned two years later. He was reinstated in 1956 and five years later, in 1961, promoted to corporal. He was later promoted to sergeant and then lieutenant.
While serving with the police department, Washington was designated as acting warden of Gold Grove prison from May 1976 to October 1977. Two years later, on Jan. 1, 1979, he attained the rank of captain and got promoted to chief of police in April of that same year.
During his tenure with the police department, Washington served in various divisions and received several meritorious awards for police duty and years of service, including one for "outstanding work" at the Golden Grove prison.
Before joining the police department, Washington served in the U.S. Navy and fought in World War II. He later received an honorable discharge.
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