Frederick Woodruf
Captain of Police 1901-1907

   Frederick H. Woodruff was born July 16, 1843 in Bristol England. At the age of five he and his family came to the United States and settled in Auburn New York. Upon his family moving to Yonkers he became employed as a "hatter" at the Waring Hat Factory in Yonkers. He also spent many years serving as a volunteer fireman.

   At the outbreak of the Civil War Woodruff hurried to join the New York State Infantry Regiment. Upon the formation of the Yonkers Police Department, Woodruff quickly filed an application to be hired. On April 27, 1871 he became one of the men that formed the original Yonkers Police Force. It must have been difficult working in a police department that had just been organized. Everyone was required to utilize the NYC police rules and regulations until we could draft our own. Ptl. Woodruff worked foot patrol and served under very strict superior officers. His skills and excellent performance being apparently very evident and likely due to his military experience and discipline, he was promoted to Roundsman two years later on August 18, 1873. In this new position he was required to inspect the patrolmen prior to their going out on duty, and make his "rounds" checking on the officers while out on their posts. Records indicate he conducted himself with discipline and dignity. His next promotion took a great deal longer. Over twenty years later, on May 10, 1894, he received his promotion to the rank of Sergeant. In the early years attaining this rank was a significant achievement. There were only a few, and the only rank greater was the head of the department, the Captain of Police. As a sergeant Woodruff spent a good amount of his time on desk duty, monitoring the activity and efficiency of all the men on each tour. After a long and faithful career, Sgt. Woodruff was destined to be elevated to the head of our department at the misfortune of the current leader, Capt. James McLaughlin. The police board being unhappy with Captain McLaughlin's inability to deal with gambling operations in town, was successful in forcing his retirement.

   On September 6, 1901 Frederick Woodruff was promoted to "Captain of Police" and became the new leader of our police department, and only the 3rd man to hold that position. The newspapers of the day reported their satisfaction and agreement with Captain Woodruff's appointment. They stated that Captain Woodruff was an honest and efficient officer who was one of the most senior men in the department, and was fully deserving of this position. As the new captain, Woodruff immediately began what was termed a "sensational" campaign against gambling activities in Yonkers, and did so with great success. For several years he was very successful in helping to move our department forward in the new century. Unfortunately political pressure was growing to have Woodruff retire and allow a new and politically friendly captain to be appointed. To accomplish their goal, Capt. Woodruff was soon to suffer great indignity in an obvious effort by the Board of Police Commissioners, to also force him to retire. It was reported that among other things, he was forced to "report" department activities to a subordinate officer.

   Apparently, since he was stripped of his ability to lead effectively and after 36 years of proud and dedicated service, Capt. Woodruff retired on June 1, 1907. After a comfortable retirement, Ret. Capt. Frederick Woodruff died on March 19, 1926 at the age of 83 years at his home at 46 Hawthorne Avenue.

   Although Fred Woodruff had been retired for nearly 20 years before he died, the esteem in which his former colleagues and citizens still held him was remarkable. Not only was he a police veteran of 36 years, but he was a Civil War veteran as well. Included in the large overflow crowd of people that tried to pay their last respects at his home were members of the Kitching Post # 60 Grand Army of the Republic.

   Public Safety Commissioner VanKeuren personally supervised the police detail which consisted of a platoon of 40 men who stood at attention. The honorary pall bearers consisted of 3 captains, 1 lieutenant, and two patrolmen. All were former colleagues and friends. A motorcycle escort guided the cortege to the cemetery where a volley of shots were fired and taps was played.

   One of our finest had passed final inspection.