Dec. 16, 2002—Andrew J. Turner Jr., 72, special assistant to the vice president for administration at UD since 1995, died Dec. 14, 2002.

Before joining UD, Mr. Turner served as director of the state’s Division of Human Relations.

From 1953-73, Mr. Turner was a member of the Wilmington Police Department, rising from the rank of patrolman to being the first black captain in the history of the department and the state and, less than a year later, to being the first black inspector in the department.

In 1973, he left law enforcement to enter New Castle County government in the office of the county executive, serving as criminal justice planner/coordinator. From 1976-78, he operated a small business, before returning to county government to become executive assistant to the director of public safety and, a year later, the county's first affirmative action coordinator. Mr. Turner held the latter position until he was appointed by the governor to his position in the Division of Human Relations.

Mr. Turner was a life member of the NAACP and served on the executive committee of the Wilmington branch.

A service will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 18, at Eighth Street Baptist Church, 3301 North Market St., Wilmington. Viewing will be held from 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 17, at Congo Funeral Home, 2317 North Market St., and from 9-11 a.m., Dec. 18, at the church.