Statement on the Passing of NOBLE Former National President John S. Pritchard III

John S. Pritchard III

[Alexandria, VA]  Today, September 19, 2018, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) National President Vera Bumpers, released the following statement on the passing of former NOBLE National President John Pritchard: 

"The members of NOBLE are mourning the loss of our dear friend and former National President, John S. Pritchard III.  Pritchard served as NOBLE's national president from 1993-1994 spearheading reforms in policing as a result of the War on Drugs and influx of gang activity.  As an experienced and proven leader in criminal justice and policing, Pritchard ascended to the presidency at NOBLE having served in the NYPD and the FBI respectively.   Being most well-known for bringing an end to the long-running organized crime family--- Genovese, former President Pritchard was a man known for his dogged pursuit of justice and crime reduction."

 

Pritchard was born in Mount Vernon, New York and dedicated a large part of his career to ensuring that community engagement remained a focal point to policing. During his time as Mount Vernon's Commissioner of Public Safety, Pritchard noted the effects of unemployment on crime and decided to do something about it. He advanced policies to create more employment opportunities for disadvantaged youth and young adults. His efforts were lauded by city and state leadership.

Pritchard was a larger than life leader in the criminal justice field with expansive roles in a variety of spaces including:  

• NYPD patrolman: April 1965 - March 1968:
• NYPD detective: March 1968 - October 1976
• FBI special agent: October 1976 - November 1981
• FBI supervisory special agent: November 1981 - October 1983
• FBI inspector's aide-in-place: October 1983 - April 1987
• Director, Petroleum, Alcohol & Tobacco - NYS Department of Taxation & Finance: April 1987 - February 1988
• MTA inspector general: March 1988 - January 1993
• NYPD first deputy police commissioner: January 1993 - January 1994
• Deputy chief, NYC Transit Police: February 1994 - January 1995
• Acting chief, NYC Transit Police: January-April 1995
• Police commissioner, city of Mount Vernon: July 1996 - June 1998
• Inspector general & deputy police commissioner, Westchester County: July 1998 - October 1999

"John S. Pritchard III will be missed.  My heartfelt condolences go out to his wife, their family and grandchildren, who have all acknowledged that though Pritchard made his mark on society with a badge and a code of honor, his life long influence and legacy was seen most earnestly at home."

Note: John S. Pritchard III passed away on Thursday, September 13, 2018.

A memorial service and celebration of Pritchard's life will be held in Port St. Lucie, Florida, in the near future. Forest Hills Funeral Homes in Palm City, Florida, is handling arrangements.