2013 Assembly Joint Resolution 4
ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION
Relating to: the life and public service of Felmers O. Chaney.
Whereas, Felmers O. Chaney, Milwaukee's first African American police sergeant and longtime leader of the Milwaukee National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), passed away on December 5, 2012, at the age of 94; and
Whereas, Felmers O. Chaney made real change in his community, becoming the president of the Milwaukee NAACP in 1987 and leading it for twelve years as he worked to fight discrimination in Milwaukee's schools, jobs, and housing; and
Whereas, his work substantiated his belief that people can change if they are given the opportunity, the resources, and the direction; and
Whereas, he served our country as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army, commanding troops in England and France during World War II; and
Whereas, he joined the Milwaukee Police Department in 1947, and throughout his time as sergeant he was known for his fairness and bold leadership; and
Whereas, Felmers O. Chaney served as president of the Central City Development Corporation, where he worked to develop the West Walnut Street neighborhood; and
Whereas, in 1971, he was a founder and president of Wisconsin's first African American-owned bank, the North Milwaukee State Bank; and
Whereas, because of his service to his community and his distinguished record, Governor Thompson dedicated the Men's Correctional Center in Milwaukee as the Felmers O. Chaney Correctional Center; and
Whereas, Felmers O. Chaney and his many contributions to Milwaukee were integral to improving life in central city communities for the last six decades; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the assembly, the senate concurring, That the legislature and the people of Wisconsin do hereby honor Felmers O. Chaney for his life of dedicated service to the people and the city of Milwaukee.
