HARKER HEIGHTS, Texas — The City of Harker Heights unveiled its newest street sign Wednesday morning, dedicated to honor its first African American police officer, Freddie Nichols, Sr.
The street dedication was held at 8 a.m. in the Cedarbrook Ridge subdivision off Stillhouse Lake Road at the intersection of Prospector Trail and Freddie Nichols, Sr. Street.
Nichols joined the Harker Heights Police Department in 1972 and retired in 1985. During his time on the force, he became one of the department's first two detectives and was promoted to sergeant in 1976.
"He was serious about his job," said daughter Merrie Nichols-Dixon. "He was serious about his family, and he was serious about his education. He worked his way through the military. He went on to get a degree from Central Texas College, graduated cum laude, all while raising 13 children and preparing himself to work on the police force."
Born in Mississippi in 1929, Nichols served in the U.S. Army for 24 years from 1947 to 1972, serving in Korea and Vietnam prior to becoming a police officer. He was also the recipient of the Bronze Star, which is awarded to members of the military for either heroic achievement/service, or meritorious achievement/service in a combat zone.
"Watching him deploy when he was in the military and coming back was like Christmas every time he came in the door," said Carl Nichols, son of Freddie Nichols, Sr. "Sometimes he would come back unannounced. It was just watching great watching him do his thing."
Nichols died in Killeen in 1986 at the age of 57.
Nichols family say they are not only proud of him for making history, but thankful for the city of Harker Heights and the Chamber of Commerce for making the day happen.
"I just know that both of my parents are smiling down from heaven right now," said Dixon-Nichols.
The street is at the intersection of Prospector Trail and Freddie Nichols, Sr. Street.
