Town Marshal Paul M. Patrick

Paul M. Patrick was Atlantic Beach’s first Town Marshal. Born on November 8, 1887, in Savannah, Georgia, he enlisted at age 21 in the U.S. Army and served for three years. After his discharge, Patrick worked for the Chatham County Police Department in Georgia, and later, as a Savannah police detective.

In 1920, he moved with his wife and four children to Jacksonville where he worked in the grocery business. In January 1932, the newly established Town of Atlantic Beach appointed him as Town Marshal. He also served as Town Marshal for Neptune Beach and Manhattan Beach. His duties included serving on the night watch.

On the night of September 10, 1932, the original Atlantic Beach Town Hall, which stood near this location, caught fire. Patrick became trapped inside the building and suffered severe burns. He died two days later from the injuries he sustained in the fire. The fire destroyed the town hall, along with all city records.

The building was not reconstructed, and the town offices were relocated. Records of the fire after his death are clear that Marshal Patrick died during the performance of his duties. In 2023, his name was added to the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington D.C.