Former Memphis Police Director Melvin Burgess Sr. dies at 80
Melvin Burgess Sr., a former Memphis Police Director, who turned 80 last month, died Thursday morning, according to his family.
Burgess served as police director from January 1992 to May 1994 and was appointed to the job by former Memphis Mayor Willie Herenton.
His son, Melvin Burgess Jr., a Shelby County Commissioner, said his father died around 3:30 a.m. Thursday after an illness.
“My dad was just a great man,” Burgess Jr. said in a telephone interview Thursday morning. “My dad grew up in Foote Homes and growing up he said he always liked people in uniform.”
After Burgess Sr. graduated from Booker T. Washington High School, he joined the U.S. Air Force. He also graduated from Grambling State University in Grambling, LA and was a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.
After serving in the military, he became a police officer in Memphis where he went on to a 33-year career with the police department.
He was then appointed as head of the department by Herenton.
“One the greatest days of my life was when he become police director,” Burgess Jr. said.
But in 1994, Herenton forced Burgess to retire following an incident in which two black undercover officers were sprayed with pepper gas.
Burgess Jr. said this incident with Herenton hurt his father, but his father stayed focused and moved on.
“My dad always told me, ‘No matter what, you always do the right thing,’” Burgess recalled. “He stayed positive and went on with his life.”
After leaving MPD, Burgess Sr. worked with the Tunica County Sheriff’s Department before leaving the job in 2000. He also ran for Shelby County Sheriff, but lost the election to former Sheriff A.C. Gilless.
“My dad made a big impact on this city,” Burgess said. “And I am grateful that the Lord sent me the father that I had.”
Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland said on Twitter: “I’m sad to learn of the passing of Melvin Burgess Sr. He served our city for many years at MPD, including as police director. And his advice was valuable to me when he served on our transition team. Please join me in keeping his family in your prayers.”
Melvin Burgess Jr.