Making matters worse, his own department's dispatchers sent him to the most violent calls.

As times changed, though, Gooch became more accepted and rose through the ranks to detective captain, retiring after 30 years of service. Yet he left the force with only a proclamation from the mayor and city council.

When two white captains retired three years later, the department gave them handguns, plaques and a retirement ceremony. Gooch wondered if he was overlooked because of a conflict he said he had with then-Police Commissioner Bill Jones or because of his race.

"I hate to say it was because of my color," Gooch said. "I don't want to think that. Surely to God, they don't hate you because of your color."

Police Chief Glenn Chrisman said race wasn't a factor when Gooch retired without receiving a handgun, plaque and ceremony.

"It did not have anything to do with the fact that Capt. Gooch is African-American or anything to do with Commissioner Jones," Chrisman said. "It was purely and simply an oversight and that error is going to be corrected."

Thirteen years after retiring from the force, Gooch will finally receive a handgun and plaque during a ceremony Thursday with retiring Capt. Jimmy Davis and Officer Tom Alford.

During a recent interview at his home, Gooch said he overcame racial barriers, giving 30 years of his life serving and protecting citizens. In the process, his health declined because of heart problems, and he is now legally blind.

As a detective captain, Gooch said he ran into a problem with Jones when the commissioner suggested transferring him to midnight shift in 1991, two years before retirement. Gooch refused and Jones didn't transfer him. But Gooch believes his refusal changed their relationship.

Jones said last week he was unaware of any problems between the two.

"I always liked Walter and felt like he had been a good officer," Jones said.

Nevertheless, Gooch said he grew bitter toward Jones when the two white captains retired and received their handguns and badges while he was overlooked. His now-deceased wife, Fannie, urged him to forget the omission that continued to haunt him for 13 years.

"It has brought tears to my eyes," Gooch said. He was so upset, in fact, that he had a plaque made honoring his 30 years of service.

He decided to question why he was overlooked after Murfreesboro officers enlisted the Teamsters union this year to address concerns about pay, benefits and rapport with management. He received encouragement from his present wife, Alice Pearl Gooch.

"I feel terrible when I think how they treated me and disrespected me," said Gooch.

When asked why Gooch didn't receive his handgun and plaque, Chrisman did some research. He found:

When Chrisman recently discussed Gooch's question with City Manager Roger Haley, Haley directed him to honor Gooch with a handgun and plaque.

"Obviously, Walter Gooch was a valued member of this police department," Chrisman said. "He served this city and the citizens very honorably for many years."

Gooch said he will accept the plaque and appreciates Chrisman's efforts to make things right.

Alice Gooch said she hopes her husband will finally be able to close out this problem in his life.

"I nearly cry when he tells me what he went through," she said. "He paved the way for other people."