North Charleston's first Black police officers honored during Black History Month

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — The North Charleston Police Department (NCPD) is celebrating Black History Month by honoring its first two Black officers.

Frank Noble and Harry B. Smith joined the department on April 30, 1978, and were two of the original officers, according to the NCPD.

Read more: First Black police officers in Charleston honored during Black History Month

Noble took to the streets on May 1, 1978, for the first day of NCPD operations. According to the NCPD, Noble later served with the Charleston County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) before retiring from law enforcement. He passed away on April 9, 2009.

Smith was known for his ability to catch fleeing suspects by making his nightstick walk down the sidewalk and trip them. After retiring from law enforcement, according to the NCPD, he worked as a court constable. Smith passed away on Nov. 9, 2001.

"Harry B. Smith and Frank Noble, two Lowcountry legends," the NCPD said in a statement.