Frank A. Figiniak
(A biographical sketch from a Chester Times or Delaware County Daily Times newspaper clipping, "Know Your Police" from the collection of John C. "Snakes" Boyle, contributed by his granddaughters, Jane Boyle & Patty Boyle.)
The last man to ride a horse in the Chester police department is Frank A. Figiniak, now restricted to less exciting duties.
Figiniak joined the force on Feb. 15, 1938, and went to work taking care of the force's six horses and riding one while on duty.
In the final three months of the mounted police, he was the only man still on horseback. And he had his choice of the six horses to ride. When they were finally sold he purchased one, "Christmas," and kept it at the Pennsylvania Military College stables for a year and a half until it developed hoof trouble and had to be put away.
Figiniak then switched to motor cycles in 1942 and can now be found either in a prowl car or on duty in the station.
Prior to joining the police department, he owned and operated the Market Square Taxi Co., with three cabs on the street, for 25 years.
He's married to the former Elizabeth Bisinger, and has one daughter, Mrs. Betty Wilson. They live at 1142 Walnut St. He was educated in the Philadelphia parochial schools.
He still retains an active interest in horses, making and repairing saddles, and occasionally going for a horseback ride.
[Obituary]
