BY MARK J. CRAWFORD
Telegraph Editor
Former Starke Police Chief Jimmy Epps died on Sunday at the age of 81.
After splitting his youth between Arkansas and Starke, Epps entered the U.S. Air Force, spending 20 years enlisted, including three tours in Vietnam. The decorated veteran then joined the Starke Police Department. He worked for the city and later in vehicle sales and insurance. Epps won the position of police chief for the city of Starke in 1989 and served until 2001.
He married his wife of 43 years, Martha Long Epps, in 1978, and they had several children, including his son, Steve Epps, who preceded him in death, as well as Mark, Shawna and Shae. He attended Heilbronn Baptist Church and was an active Mason and Shriner among other organizations.
The man who succeeded him in office and went on to become county sheriff, Gordon Smith, said, “Chief Epps was a strong voice for the city of Starke. Being chief was a lifestyle, not a job. He loved the community he served.”
Police Chief Jeff Johnson said he worked with Epps from the time he was elected to the time Epps retired from office.
“He was strong in his commitment to serving the community of Starke,” Johnson said.” We didn’t always agree but he would remind me that he was chief. I learned a lot about the administration side and political side of law enforcement. Lots of good memories and stories to tell. He will be sorely missed.”
Former Sheriff Bob Milner remembered Epps wasn’t certified at the time he became police chief and going through that process made him realize how much he didn’t know. Epps brought Milner on to help write policies and conduct training. After establishing a criminal justice division at the vocational center, Milner said he worked with a young Gordon Smith to start the Law Enforcement Explorers Program under Chief Epps. The post went on to win awards and encourage high schoolers to work for law enforcement.
“After I got elected in 1992, we had our share of disagreements, but it was never personal or ugly,” Milner said of Epps. The sheriff’s office was there to back the police department up when called upon, and they worked together in founding Bradford County’s first Drug Task Force and another serving the entire Eighth Judicial Circuit.
Sometimes, Milner would take the initiative in helping with traffic or vehicle accidents.
“Jimmy would get his feathers ruffled and accuse me of trying to take over the police department,” Milner said, but eventually that settled down. Still, it wasn’t until Epps left office that Milner said they could truly get along.
“All things being equal, I think we worked together good most of the time for the betterment of the citizens of Starke and Bradford County, and at the end of the day, that’s what it all should be about,” Milner said. “He served this country in the military with distinction as well as his law enforcement career, and I know many citizens feel a great deal of gratitude to him and have fond memories as a result of his service. He and his wife, Martha, provided a lot of great community service to Starke and the surrounding area through their participation in Altrusa, the American Legion, Hospital Auxiliary and other worthwhile organizations, and our thoughts and prayers certainly go out to Martha and the family.”
The service for Epps will take place at Heilbronn Baptist Church on Sept. 30 at noon, followed by interment at Crosby Lake Cemetery. Friends will be received an hour prior to the service.
