Marblehead Police Department Celebrates 163rd Birthday!

Feeling a little weary today? Well this should make you feel young: The Marblehead Police Department is celebrating its 163rd birthday today.

The department announced the anniversary on Facebook, noting that 163 years ago today, on April 11, 1853, the Marblehead Police Department was established.

The post nostalgically remembers the development of the police force over the course of its long history.

For example, did you know that the Marblehead Police used to ride on horses in addition to patrolling on foot? They used to have a K-9 unit as well.

Like most other police stations, they've moved on to bikes an patrol cars these days. They also used to have a police ambulance service and a harbor patrol boat, which have been regretfully retired.

On a more somber note, the Facebook post reminds residents of two marblehead police officers who died in the line of duty: George Kelley, in 1932, and Reuben Paine in 1950.

Also of note: In 1990, Marion Conrad won the distinctive honor of being the first woman in the department's history to be receive Superior officer status.

Pictured above is the Old Town House on Washington Street, which served as the Marblehead Police Station until 1961. The building now hosts the Marblehead Police Museum.

If you're interested, read more about the department's history.

Photo Credit: Zandchee via Wikimedia Commons