The Retired Guardians Fraternal Association is pleased to honor Clarence Surgeon, one of the original 50 members of the Cerberean Society, in this month’s spotlight. Clarence was born June 4, 1930 in Brooklyn, New York. He is another of our many graduates of Boys High School and he earned a Bachelors of Art degree in Criminal Justice from John Jay College and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Long Island University. Clarence served in the US Army from 1951 to 1953 and was honorably discharged after his service in Korea.

Clarence became a member of the New York City Transit Police Department on April 4, 1955. He worked in District 7 and went on to the Detective Division where he remained for 29 years. During his stellar police career, which spanned 38 years, Clarence was the recipient, many times over, of every commendation the department awarded, other than the Medal Of Honor, making him one of the most decorated officers in the history of New York City police service. Clarence retired on June 4, 1993 in the rank of Detective 1^st grade. During his long career Clarence was always an active member of the Cerberean Society/Guardian Association and served as Recording Secretary of the Cerbereans in the Simms administration. From 1980 to 1983 he served as Eastern Region President of the National Black Police Association, which covered states from Maine to New Jersey. Clarence currently serves as President of 100 Blackmen For Congressman Major Owens. When Clarence was asked of what he was most proud  during his long career, he pondered for several minutes before answering that he received the greatest satisfaction and was most proud of assisting young men and women in not only becoming police officers, but helping those members of the departtment who had no one else to turn to in their times of need.

Clarence is widower and still resides in Brooklyn and can be reached by email at Surge44@webtv.net