Uncrowned Community Builders

Oliver M. Bragg has the distinction of being the second African American Policeman in Buffalo. Bragg was appointed, from the Civil Service list, to the position of patrolman on July 18, 1919.

He joined fellow patrolman, George Sarsnett on the force and the two remained the only two African American policemen for a quarter of a century. Like Sarsnett, he was initially assigned to Precinct #4 at 161 Sycamore Street.

Bragg was a native of Collierville, Tennessee. His parents were Henry and Mary Waters Bragg. He attended high school in Memphis and completed three years at Lane Preparatory College in Jackson, Tennessee. He then taught school for three years before relocating to Buffalo in 1916. Bragg was married to Marie McCarter Bragg.

Bragg remained a policeman for over 40 years. He attained the rank of Detective on January 31, 1946. In 1962 as he was preparing to retire, at the age of 70, he was believed to be the oldest active policeman still working in a metropolitan community.

Oliver died on June 5, 1974 and is buried in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Buffalo, New York.