Bull Connor
On the record
"Public Safety Commissioner" — fire hoses + dogs on civil rights marchers May 1963
Background
Theophilus Eugene "Bull" Connor (1897–1973) was Birmingham's Public Safety Commissioner — overseeing both police and fire — for 23 years across 1937-1953 and 1957-1963. Ordered firefighters to use high-pressure hoses on civil-rights marchers May 3-7 1963, including children in what became the "Children's Crusade"; ordered K-9 units to attack marchers. The televised images of Black children blasted by hoses are widely credited with shifting national opinion in favor of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Lost a 1962 vote that abolished the Commissioner system (eliminating his job); ran for Gov 1962 (failed); later 2-term AL Public Service Commissioner.
Curated bio from Officium's editorial pass.
Primary sources
Others who held this office in Alabama
- Johnnie E. Johnson Jr. (1992-1996)
- Arthur Deutcsh (1982-1992)
- James C. Parsons (1972-1982)
- Jamie Moore (1963-1972)
- Bull Connor (1957-1963)