Commissioner Keeney wore his most cherubic smile when the blue-gowned young woman was presented. When the police commission had waded through a part of the accumulation of business before it, the mayor called attention to the presence of “Staff Captain Nellie Truelove,” who asked to be clothed with police power.

Slauson introduced The Salvation Army lass to Mayor Snyder she was recommended, the mayor said, “by the best people of the city.” Nellie Truelove is used to the blue uniform and not unaccustomed to the exercise of authority, for, in addition to being a”policeman,” she is Staff Captain Nellie of The Salvation Army, in charge of the Salvation Army Rescue home on Griffith street in East Los Angeles. Salvation Lass Appointed by the Commission | May Exercise Authority at Rescue Home in East Los Angeles – Fryburg & Berkowitz Saloon License Case Ended – Police Duty at Schoolsĭemure little Nellie Truelove is a member of the Los Angeles police force, distinguished in that she is the first woman to be given a right to wear the nickel star and swing the black club of police authority. She Wears A Star | Nellie Truelove Joins the Police Force

As her cortege passed the red light district, the bar owners and bartenders who knew her well stood outside with doors closed and hats off, out of respect. On the day of her funeral, the streets were lined with thousands of people as eight policemen led a white hearse drawn by four white horses. Reportedly, among her last words were, “take care of my girls” and “it was worth it all.” Just one year after she received her star and billy club she died. Often, she would be called on to referee disputes between the ladies in her care - or their clients - so the Los Angeles Police Department trusted her with the authority to keep the peace as an official member of the force. Lucie & Okeechobee CountiesĬourtesy of California Digital Newspaper Collection

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