- Home
- Departments
- Police
- Information
- History of the BPD
History of the BPD
The Broomfield Police Department was formed in the 1950s to provide security in the construction and residential areas of what was then called Broomfield Heights. The first police officers, special deputies of the Boulder County Sheriff’s Department, were paid through the Sheriff’s Department and contributions solicited from residents in the community.
![]() |
This shoulder emblem was worn by the first "special deputies" of the Police Department. |
|
The Manor Motel has been one of Broomfield's landmark buildings since it was built in the 1950s. |
The first documented vehicle accident in the City of Broomfield took place at the corner of Agate and Emerald streets. |
Broomfield's early police officers were Leonard Bishop and Ed McCarthy. This photo was taken in August of 1956.![]() |
The first tree planting in Midway Park at Midway Boulevard and Laurel Street began Broomfield's parkland legacy. ![]() |
The opening of the First Filing in Broomfield was the start of our community. Here construction crews work to save a big tree.![]() |
The construction of Emerald Elementary School underway at 755 West Elmhurst Place. ![]() |
The Empire Savings and Loan building, also a Broomfield landmark, is pictured here in 1956. Notice the "Broomfield Heights" name. This building is now the Commercial Federal Bank, a successor to Empire Savings, at 1 Garden Center.![]() |
Police Officer Leonard Bishop later became Broomfield's Police Chief, and served on the City Council.![]() |
The original "Retail Center" sign was located in the heart of downtown Broomfield.![]() |