Officer Fred Woodward
By Joe Lowry
His men called him a “cop’s cop.“ They and the citizens of Memphis loved this police officer. You could talk to him, they said. Officer Fred Woodward had a way of making everyone feel comfortable. During his career, Woodward was known for being able to calmly solve problems.
Woodward joined the Memphis Police Department in 1945 and was assigned to a walking patrol downtown, then moved to Mounted Units, then the Traffic Division, and next to the Special Events unit, which coordinated all police services for athletic events and major entertainment happenings in Memphis. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1948 and to captain in1952.
In May of 1955, Woodward was sent as the MPD’s representative, along with Col. John Somers, Civil Defense director, and Capt. James P. Leach of the Memphis Fire Department, to watch the atomic test known a Operation Tea Pot Apple-2 in Yucca Flat, Nev. When the three returned to Memphis, they became key players in atomic age preparedness procedures as well as civil defense in Memphis.
At noon on Sept. 4, 1955, Woodward spotted a car that had been involved in a hold-up in West Memphis. He held the men at gunpoint and called for backup. The officers were able to arrest them.
In September of 1958, when the ”Cisco Kid,” a character popular in films and who was played by various actors, came to Memphis for the Mid-South Fair[1]. Capt. Woodward served as his escort and bodyguard and took him wherever he needed to go. A visit to the Crippled Children’s Hospital was always on the agenda.
Woodward was assigned to protect Hollywood celebrities and movie stars who came to town for events such as the Mid-South Fair and drive them wherever they needed to go.
Long before Elvis Presley became a major star, Woodward served as his driver and protector when he was in Memphis. While Elvis was stationed in Germany, he and Woodward corresponded regularly. The two had a great friendship.
In 1959, Gene Barry, who played Batt Masterson on TV, came to Memphis, Capt. Woodward picked him up at the Gayoso Hotel and drove him to Pappy’s Lobster Shack on Madison. He too went to visit sick and crippled children in Memphis.
When Roy Rogers and Dale Evans came to Memphis, Capt. Woodward escorted and guarded them, too.
Capt. Woodward also took John Bromfield, an actor who starred in the TV series, “U.S. Marshal” and “Sheriff of Cochise.” to Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, St. Peter’s Orphanage and the Crippled Children’s Hospital.
In 1959, Police Chief J.C. McDonald appointed Woodward acting head of the Traffic Division, where he would command 40 street-corner officers. He was now an inspector. During this time, he still found time to serve as escort to all sorts of out-of-town celebrities.
In October of 1960, when Ricky Nelson played at the Mid-South Fair, Inspector Woodward served as his escort and bodyguard.
Whenever Danny Thomas, founder of St Jude Children’s Research Hospital and entertainer, was in town, Fred Woodward would be with him, making sure he was safe.
While working the Memphis Symphony concert on Nov. 2, 1960, at Ellis Auditorium, Woodward suffered a heart attack. He was quickly transported to St. Joseph Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. When Elvis heard, he rushed to the hospital to be with Mrs. Woodward.
Fire and Police Commissioner Claude Armour said Fred Woodward was a dedicated and devoted police officer.[2]
Elvis and Fred Woodward shared a special bond that began when Elvis was a rising star. During the annual Mile of Dimes Christmas Crusade, Elvis gave $1,000 to the cause and Fred Woodward would always deliver it.
Prior to joining the MPD, Woodward was an inspector for the Shelby County Health Department.
[1] The annual Mid-South Fair featured performances by actors and other popular entertainers of the time, as well as livestock shows, a midway and rides.
[2] Find a Grave No. 200816300, Memorial Park, Memphis