Chattanooga, TN – According to the police officials, in 1912, the Chattanooga Police Department introduced the Harley Davidson motorcycle to modernize and increase mobility.
By 1922, seven officers transitioned from horse patrol to motorcycle patrol, marking the beginning of the department’s Motor Unit. Many called the motorcycles an “iron horse.”
In the early 1930s, the squad chose the black widow spider as their emblem, possibly inspired by the numerous dangers officers faced on their “widow maker” motorcycles.
While the exact reason behind the choice isn’t fully documented, it’s believed that the spider symbolized both the danger and resilience of the motormen.
Over the years, this emblem has become a symbol of pride, courage, and tradition within CPD’s motor unit. The black widow spider is more than just a logo—it’s a legacy.