St. Clair Shores in Macomb County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Guardians of the City
Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, September 27, 2026
1. Guardians of the City Marker
St. Clair Shores organized its police force on June 1, 1926. The first department, which consisted of just four men and two motorcycles, dealt mainly with traffic violations. Initially, the speed limit was set at a minimum of 12 miles per hour and a maximum of 20 but was quickly changed to 35 miles an hour. Another major issue of the day was bootleggers illegally running liquor across Lake St. Clair from Canada. It was such a problem that the Village Commissioners voted unanimously in 1926 to enforce the prohibition law.
The police force grew quickly, with two men and two vehicles added. The cars did not have radios, so one officer patrolled while the other stayed at the station. They continued to expand over the years, adding additional vehicles and services. In 1931, they purchased a larger vehicle they used as either a paddy wagon or an ambulance.
Prior to May 1927, the Village had no fire protection, so they purchased two chemical and pumping engines-both with a capacity of 700 gallons per minute. They placed the engines on each end of the Village. Two departments, which consisted of around 20 volunteers
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When St. Clair Shores became a city in 1951, the police department employed 23 men, and two fire stations housed three modern engines. By the 1960s, the police force had grown to include 69 officers, and the city had constructed three additional fire stations with 63 paid firefighters.
Erected 2026.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Law Enforcement. A significant historical date for this entry is June 1, 1926.
Location. 42° 28.528′ N, 82° 53.315′ W. Marker is in St. Clair Shores, Michigan, in Macomb County. It is at the intersection of Revere Street and Revere Street, on the right when traveling east on Revere Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 24800 Jefferson Avenue, Saint Clair Shores MI 48080, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Michigan and in Greater Detroit. It is also in the American Midwest. Globally, it is in North America, on the Great Lakes, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in
Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, September 27, 2026
2. Guardians of the City Marker
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Finest in the Country (a few steps from this marker); Shore Line Interurban Railway (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Shore Line Interurban Railway (within shouting distance of this marker); Blossom Heath (within shouting distance of this marker); A High-Class Public Amusement Resort (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Blossom Heath (within shouting distance of this marker); The Underground Economy (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Blossom Heath Inn (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Clair Shores.
Also see . . .
1. Police Department. (Submitted on October 5, 2026, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan.)
2. Fire Department. (Submitted on October 5, 2026, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan.)
Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, September 27, 2026
3. Guardians of the City Marker
Location of the marker
Credits. This page was last revised on October 13, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 5, 2026, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 5 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 5, 2026, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
