A Remembrance of a NYPD Legend and MARCH Founding Member
July, 2007 | Categories: Board members, Remembrance
Arthur “Artie” Hill
A Remembrance of a NYPD Legend and MARCH Founding Member
(April 2, 1922 – July 22, 2010)
JAMAICA, NY- New York City Council Deputy Majority Leader Leroy Comrie issued the statement below regarding the passing of former NYPD Assistant Chief Inspector and St. Alban’s resident Arthur (Artie) Hill, who passed away on July 22, 2010 at age of 88. Chief Hill enjoyed a second career as an executive for United Parcel Service and was an Ex-oficio Founding Member of the MARCH Foundation. He is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia, daughter Joanne and son Arthur Jr.
“I am saddened today to announce the passing of my friend and mentor, Arthur Hill. He was a quiet giant not only in the Southeast Queens community, but loved and respected across the entire city. As one of the first men of color to rise to the rank of Chief in the New York City Police Department, Hill was a true pioneer who inspired generations of African American men and women to join the force to serve and protect our communities. But beyond his legendary law enforcement career, he was the most active of citizens in the community who gave of his time to numerous civil rights and civic causes. Arthur Hill was emblematic of his generation which sacrificed and persevered through some of the most tumultuous eras in our nation’s history so that our community enjoys the professional and personal freedoms of today. Today we celebrate the life of Arthur Hill and must insure that his accomplishments are told to future generations. He will be sorely missed but never forgotten.”
Chief Arthur B. Hill was born in New York in 1922 and grew up in Harlem. He graduated from DeWitt Clinton High School, the Bronx in 1940 and served in the United States Army during World War II from 1942 to 1946.
Upon an honorable discharge from military service, Hill took civil service exams and joined the NYC Police Department in 1946. He was assigned to the 28th Precinct and rose through the ranks. He was promoted to Sergeant in 1959 while serving in the 42nd and 49th Precincts. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 1961 and received a variety of assignments to work in the 20th Precinct, as well as the 5th Division, the 40th Precinct and in the Planning Bureau where he worked as a system analyst. He had the honor of serving as Commanding Officer of the Malcolm X funeral detail in February, 1965.
Arthur Hill was promoted to the rank of Captain in 1965 and worked in the 5th and 6th Divisions of the NYPD before he was appointed the second African American commanding officer of the 28th Precinct.
While stuyding for promotions, Hill attended John Jay College of Criminal Justice/CUNY where he earned a Bachelors degree in Police Science and a Masters degree in Police Administration.
His extraordinary trailblazing career continued when he was appointed to the rank of Deputy Inspector in 1967 and was assigned to 6th Division in Harlem. On September 16, 1969, Arthur Hill was promoted to the rank of Deputy Chief Inspector and transferred to the 13th Division, Brooklyn.
Chief Hill became the first African American commander of the Support Service Unit, which was formerly known as the Special Operations Division. He oversaw NYPD Tactical Patrol Force, Aviation, Emergency Service and Harbor Patrol Units. He was promoted to rank of Assistant Chief in September, 1971 and retired in January, 1973. During his illustrious career, Chief Hill received two Commendations, three Meritorious and three Excellent Police Duty Awards along with numerous citations for outstanding community service.
In retirement, Chief Hill continued to serve his community by remaining active and joining several civic organizations. He served on several board of directors for charitable organizations, including the Apollo Theater. He was the long-time Executive Secretary of the Guy R. Brewer Democratic Club.
