John Dale was the Albany Police department's first black sergeant and lieutenant.
He became a detective and a supervisor, serving as Chief from 1989 to 1995. The Korean War combat veteran joined the force in 1958 as a ptrol officer and worked his way to the top. Albany activist Alice Green tells the Times Union Dale was well-liked and always cordial, even when they disagreed, and was often called upon to be a liaison between police and the city's black community. He received many awards for his police work and for his commitment to community. John Dale was 80.
