Mr. Arthur James Washington Sr.

Mr. Arthur James Washington, Sr., was the kind of person everyone wanted to be around - positive, encouraging, and uplifting—his presence filled rooms - with wisdom, laughter, and an unshakable spirit of joy. Art was born on April 5, 1949, in the small country town of Millry, Alabama. While young, his family relocated to Goulds, FL where he was raised in a close-knit community known as “Sugar Hill”—a peaceful area where dirt roads connected families and values ran deep. From an early age, Art was shaped by the unwavering guidance of his parents, who instilled in him the importance of gratitude, humility, and self-worth. They taught him and his 11 siblings that they were just as important as anyone else and that life was a gift to be appreciated. Art’s life, spent first in Goulds then in Richmond Heights, FL, allowed him to work in the fields, do landscaping, work as a dishwasher, and as a produce manager - all cultivating a strong work ethic. Such experiences laid the foundation for the resilient, trailblazing, highly respected, leader, mentor, author, and hero he became. Art’s talents reached beyond humor. He was a man of many gifts - an intellectual scholar, a natural leader, plus a creative soul. A lover of music, Art was part of an a cappella group and the police choir. He was also a gifted athlete, excelling in basketball, softball, golf, bowling, and football. His competitive nature shined through as Art did not like to lose. Once he made up his mind about something, there was little chance of changing it - he was determined, focused, and always intentional. Among his many accomplishments is authoring the 5-star book, “The Dark Side of Law Enforcement.” Rooted in a household of strong Christian faith, Art carried his belief in God throughout his life, placing the Lord at the center of his decisions, his service, and his relationships. His upbringing emphasized not only spiritual devotion but also a deep sense of responsibility and care for others. Art naturally took on the role of protector - watching over his younger siblings with a quiet strength that would later define his career in law enforcement which began in August 1972. Though not the oldest, many assumed he was - for he carried himself with the quiet authority, wisdom, and strength of a true leader. He graduated from Mays High School and attended Miami Dade Jr. College until drafted into the military’s Army branch. He served in Thailand during the Vietnam era as a Communications Center Specialist, was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, and, after 13 months of service, was honorably discharged. Art holds a bachelor’s degree from FIU, has acquired several hours towards a master’s degree in public administration and, is a graduate of the prestigious Southern Police Institute at the University of Louisville, Kentucky. Without realizing it and while young, Art’s early experiences of safeguarding those around him planted the seeds of his lifelong commitment to “protect and serve.” His journey from Sugar Hill, through the ranks of law enforcement, including the highest rank, Police Chief of the Florida City Police Department, was marked by integrity, compassion, service, and leadership. He would go on to serve, with distinction, in multiple police departments and as a member of professional organizations, leaving behind a legacy of honor, courage, community service, and unwavering dedication to justice. Overall his 40-plus years of dedicated service, Art served as a role model to many people, especially youth. His never having to discharge his firearm is a testament to his wisdom, restraint, and respect for human life. On August 11, 1973, Art married his surviving wife, Laura Washington. Art and Laura attended the same high school and worked together at Burdine’s before he joined the police department. Together, they parent one son and three daughters, all surviving. Anyone who knew Art knows how exceptionally proud he was of his twelve surviving grandchildren. He’s also survived by 4 great-grandchildren. Balancing his career and family was challenging, especially given the nature of his job; however, Art and his family endured. Challenges were met and exceeded, and Art put forth every effort to live life to the fullest. He believed strongly in family first and poured, wholeheartedly, into his wife, kids, grandkids, his entire family. Across his life and career, he continuously gave 110% to all he created, believed in, and worked hard for. Arthur James Washington Sr., Chief Washington, overcame and succeeded without a doubt.

Tributes

Mr. Arthur James Washington Sr.

April 5, 1949 - November 8, 2025