Francis L. Holt
(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.)
Tonight Francis L. Holt will stand before fellow members of the Felton Fire Co. and be presented with a gold badge, symbol of his promotion to sergeant in the police department.
Originally promoted on Jan. 1, 1953, he was scheduled to receive the special badge in the spring. Then came the reorganization of the department and Holt was temporarily demoted to patrolman and assigned as an acting sergeant. At his request the badge presentation was delayed until he was promoted once more to full sergeant. This happened Dec. 15, 1953.
Holt is now an honorary member of the fire company, with which he has been active for 31 years. He is a former vice president of the company and is also a member of the Delaware County Fireman's Association. Holt was appointed to the police force in July, 1938 and worked in the traffic department until Feb. 4, 1952, when he was promoted to detective. He held that post until last year and his original promotion to sergeant.
Born on Sept. 28, 1905, he resides at 2407 Chestnut sts.
Married to the former Anne Logue, who was a teacher at Dewey School and still serves occasionally as a substitute, they have three daughters, Frances, 12, Judith, 10, and Mary Louise, 8, all pupils at St. Roberts.
Educated in the public and parochial schools, he has attended numerous police schools. During World War II he was assigned to work with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the government in investigating subversive activities.
Prior to his appointment to the police force, he worked as a still man for Pure Oil Co. in Marcus Hook.
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