INTERVIEWS WITH N. C. HIGHWAY PATROL RETIREES
Charles F. "Chuck" English and his wife, Trilby, live at 926 Tanglewood Drive, Raleigh, NC, 27511. Telephone 919.481.2269. No e-mail.Chuck was born August 10th, 1927 in Robeson County. His father died before Chuck's 4th birthday and he was raised by his grandfather on a farm near Lumberton. He graduated from Barker Ten Mile High School in 1943. After high school , he began work at the Laurinburg/Maxton Army Airbase. After his 18th birthday, Chuck enlisted in the US Army Air Force. He began Basic training at Keesler Field, Mississippi; Tech school at Scott Field in Illinois; overseas assignment as a radio operator (voice and morse code) in Tokyo, Japan for 6 months. Later. he was assigned to Johnston Island for the rest of his military service. After a honorable discharge, Chuck attended Western Radio Communications Institute in Los Angeles, California. Upon graduation, Chuck passed FCC exams for 1st class phone and 2nd class radio license. He returned to North Carolina and made application with the North Carolina Highway Patrol in the Communication Division. He was interviewed for a position by Colonel Tony Tolar. Chuck was accepted and began his long career at the Elizabethtown SHP Radio Station. He began work on 1 December, 1949. Training at that time was "on the job". On 13 December, 1949, a position at the Wilmington radio station came open and Chuck transferred there.
At Elizabethtown, Chuck had the opportunity to work with and be trained by Chief Operator John Baird. After Chuck had served in Wilmington for a year, he transferred back to Elizabethtown. Chuck's 2nd class FCC radio telegraph license opened the door for a position as radio repair in the Technical Division. John Baird and radio technician Lawrence Gooding served as his trainers. In January 1951, an opening for radio technician in Asheville occurred and he was promoted and transferred to Asheville as the Chief Operator. H. E. McKinney was his supervisor. Chuck served as the radio maintenance and relief radio operator. When McKinney died in in December 1962, Chuck was promoted to Radio Engineer II. When Patrol Communication Engineer W. B. "Buck" Sloop retired 31 July, 1978, Chuck was promoted to this position and transferred to Communication and Logistics in Raleigh. Chuck maintained this position until retiring 31 October 1986.
Each position that Chuck held during his SHP career, involved to some degree tower work as called for in the job description. As a radio operator,he assisted John Baird installing antennas on the original tower at Wilmington and replacing tower light bulbs. As a radio technician (changed later to Radio Engineer I) he assisted the Radio Engineer II in supervising operations and maintenance personnel, preparing shift schedules and relieving radio operators. Other duties included repairing and installing mobile and base station radio equipment and antennas. As Radio Engineer II, the basic change was the general supervision of personnel, responsibility for maintaining a reasonable supply of parts, test equipment and tools, determining when equipment needed replacing, consulting the Patrol Engineer (PCE) in Raleigh concerning remote locations facilities for better coverage in "dead spots" and conferrring with Troop Commanders on developing/correcting communication needs of enforcement personnel.
It was during his time as Radio Engineer II that the decision was made to divide the operations and techinical responsibilities into separate divisions statewide. His duties as PCE expanded to statewide oversight of technical aspects of Patrol commuincation matters of additional facilities, updating existing facilities, C & L operations involved placement of equipment in new patrol vehicles and ordering additional equipment and parts adequate to meet needs at Troop levels. He consulted with supervisory personnel concerning the needs at various levels and maintained close relations with the Director (Major) on charge of C & L. As PCE, he served as the Highway Patrol's voluntary courtesy service to the Associated Public Safety Communication Officers (APCO). As frequency coordinator of State Police, other law enforcement police and Sheriffs agencies in FCC granting frequencies and licenses needed in their law enforcement activiites. He served as President of the National APCO 1984-1985.
Chuck had the opportunity to help set up the communication sub-station in Wilmington. There were four Troop Headquarters at this time, Greenville, Fayettevile, Salisbury and Asheville. The radio stations at that time worked local law enforcement as well as Highway Patrol personnel. They accomplished this through "cross monitoring". While in Wilmington, he provided communication services but on some occasions answered the telephone for district operations and did clerical work for Sergeant Asa H. Clark. On several occasions, he was on special assignment to C & L installing radios in new patrol vehicles. He remembers using a Jeep equipped with 3-way radio capabilities in a remote mountain area during a manhunt for a murder fugitive. This occurred in Sergeant T. A. Sandlin's District. Another time during Christmas, he set up and manned an emergency command post in West Jefferson in support of the FBI due to a pending bank robbery. Because of the preparation, the bank robbery never occurred. He enjoyed the Patrol relationships that he developed over the years. Chuck was just one month short of 37 years of service when he retired. He appreciated the many opportunities and advancements afforded him during his career. He was always part of the Highway Patrol family.
After retiring in October 1986, Chuck took on the responsibility of directing the transition of Public Safety Frequency Coordination on 1 November 1986. This transition was under the direction of APCO. The National APCO headquarters was in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. The FCC had changed the process of frequency coordination for all public safety frequencies at a centralized location in a computerized manner which would establish a data base for civilian agencies nationwide. This was a "start from scratch, learn as you go" challenge that would require resisting politicians who felt they would lose some clout in the change. Obviously, the demands of this job didn't leave much time for recreation. The results of this process turned out to be favorable nationwide. Chuck worked in this capacity until January 1989. He and Trilby enjoyed their time in Florida, but were anxious to return to their home in Cary. They moved back to North Carolina in 31 October 1989.
Upon returning to Cary, Chuck and Trilby became active in their church, Ephesus Baptist Church. Chuck is a Sunday School teacher for seniors and until a year ago was active with the church choir. They are active in a group called "Happy Wanderers". He is a past Master of Cary Lodge #198 AF&AM. He and Trilby are members of Edith Chapter # 160 Order of Eastern Star in Cary. He is a past Monarch of AZUSA Grotto in Charlotte. This is part of the "Grottoes of North America" which is comprised of Master Masons. Age is taking a toll but he and Trilby still remain active.
Chuck is a past President and life member of NCHPRA. He also is a member of and attends the meetings of the retired Communication's Division of Radio Engineers.
His career with the Highway Patrol was fascinating. He emphasizes the self-satisfaction of being part of an organization serving the interest of the citizens of North Carolina. He appreciated the opportunity of meeting many dedicated people across the United States (some Internationals as well) who served in similar work. He had many "fascinating" co-workers. History will determine the impact he had on the functions of the Patrol. He is satisfied with knowing that he tried to have a positive impact. He does not judge the difference in the Patrol today and the Patrol of the days he served. Suffice it to say, the Patrol was good then and good today.
Noting the date of his employment, 1 December 1949, about all he would say is the he remembers the members as being close knit, hard working and highly respected (maybe some feared). The enforcement and suppot members were from different backgounds but bonded together to enforce the laws and make life safer on the highways of North Carolina. He is glad that he was apart of this group dedicated to supplying available materials and technology to assist in this effort.
Chuck and Trilby would love to hear from their many friends. Give them a call at home.
Posted by: Bill Ethridge
Have you talked with a retiree lately? Now is a good time to pick up the phone and call a friend.