BY LOGAN HURSTON FOR THE OBSERVER
OPELIKA — Former Opelika Police Department Lt. John Pruitt Sr. passed away on Jan. 13. As one of the first African American police officers in Opelika, he played a crucial part in the desegregation of OPD in the late 1950s. He also served on the board of commissions for the Housing Authority of Opelika for more than 30 years.
“I’ll remember him as a great man,” said Henrietta Snipes, a fellow board member with whom Pruitt shared a unique friendship, both having moved the needle for desegregation in Opelika. At the age of 10, Snipes was among the first African American girls to attend what were previously all-white schools.
“Mr. Pruitt was one of those people who always stuck to his guns,” she said. “Whenever he got something in his mind that was or wasn’t going to happen, he was going to stick by it and budge for no one.”
The Opelika Police Department announced Pruitt’s death on social media: “Lt. Pruitt dedicated decades of his life to serving our community with honor and distinction. He made history as one of the first African American Officers to serve our department. His groundbreaking service paved the way for countless others and inspired a generation of officers. Following his retirement, he continued to serve his community and support our department.”
“People don’t realize how much of your heart you have to put into working on the Housing Au-thority board,” said Snipes. “Me and Mr. Pruitt were the only hometown people on the Opelika board. He was always a big advocate for the community and made sacrifices to protect the lives of the people that we served.”
Pruitt is survived by his wife Carolyn, along with his children.
