February 4, 1963 marked the beginning of the Ports & Harbors Unit of the Cleveland Police. Lieutenant John F. "Jack" Delaney was the founder and first Officer in Charge. This Unit was responsible for safety and security at the cities two airports "Ports" and the lakes, rivers and streams found within the city "Harbors". Officers assigned to the Ports & Harbors Unit receive extra training in first aid, lifesaving, scuba diving and boat operations.
During an air show off of Burke Lakefront Airport on September 8, 1981 an Air Force Thunderbird crashed into Lake Erie. The Port & Harbor Unit was called in to organize the search and rescue of the plane and crew. The black box and a collection of photos documenting this incident can be found in the museums collection.
The Lex (Latin for “law”) was designed by Cleveland Police Lieutenant John “Jack” Delaney, the first officer in charge of the Ports & Harbors Unit. Launched in 1963, the Lex, which is still in service, was built by the Inland Seas Boat Company of Sandusky, Ohio.
The Rookie belies its name, as it was one of the unit’s real workhorses allowing these police officers to get closer to the target when performing rescues and recoveries. Patrolman Richard E. Ryan #573 is at the oars.
The Bluecoat obtained in 1964 and smaller and faster than the Lex, was an additional tool to be used by the Ports & Harbors Unit in their quest to make the water a safe place to enjoy.
