Last living member of Savannah “Original Nine” turns 100

 Last living member of Savannah “Original Nine” turns 100

by: Hollie Lewis

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) – On Saturday, Lt. John White, a Savannah living legend celebrated his 100th birthday with his family and friends.

White is the last living member of the Original Nine Black police officers who integrated the Savannah Police Department (SPD) in 1947.

In a social media post, the SPD stated, “Happy 100th birthday John A White. A Savannah Legend, a giant amongst men. If you don’t know about this hero look up the “The Original Nine”,”

White was the first in the group to take oath in May of 1947, and served nearly four decades in the SPD before retiring in 1984. During his tenure, he met a young, aspiring politician named Jimmy Carter.

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