Grovelle Bundy (1818 – 1883)

Birth: 1858, born in Blountsville, IN

Died: 1939, buried in Earlham Cemetery, Richmond, IN

Law Enforcement: Bundy was one of the first African American police officers in the Richmond Police Department, joining it in 1890, and the only one there during his tenure. By 1927, he was there for 40 years, the longest continuous term of service of any police officer in Indiana at the time. Veteran police officers of his time described his work as “outstanding” and “unanimously designated him as ‘czar’ of the [Old] North end”, saying he was responsible for ending “the then notorious North end’s lawlessness.” He was one of the most efficient officers in the department. Those he patrolled also looked up to him as someone to help with “family difficulties, and for financial counsel” (Palladium-Iten, 12 Feb 1939). When he retired, he was the dean of the department and had been a detective for nine years.

Accomplishments:  He was one of the first African American police officers in the Richmond Police Department. Serving 40 years, he was there the longest continuous term of service of any police officer in Indiana at the time.