RALPH FIORE
A Hershey Detective in the Early 1900s.
First Installment
Despite all the idyllic descriptions of Hershey offered up in local publications of the early 1900s, it would be foolhardy to think that there were no law breakers or evil forces at work in and around what some have referred to as the Sweetest Place On Earth.
To that end, enter one Ralph A. Fiore. His efforts over 100 years ago brought a sense of justice and order to the local area, and documenting those efforts serves to recognize an amazing individual.
As early as 1911, Milton S. Hershey understood the need for an officer of the peace. In the document below, he petitioned the Court of Common Pleas and "respectfully prays the Court" for the appointment of a police officer in Hershey Park.
One such unidentified officer in uniform can be seen in this real photo postcard from as early as 1913.
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At least two news records indicate that Ralph Fiore himself would be appointed a "special" park policeman for Hershey Park for the 1916 and 1917 seasons.
He also served as a detective for the Hershey Transit Company and Hershey Chocolate Company.
