The "R. A. Utley", Memphis' First Mechanized Fire Engine

R. A. Utley Mayor For a Moment

Although R. A. Utley was actually sworn in as mayor (not simply mayor pro-tem) he was mayor for less than a day.  A Crump stalwart throughout his civic career, Utley was ousted from his office as Fire and Police Commisioner when he plead guilty to not enforcing prohibition laws.  This was the same charge brought against Mayor Crump which led to his ouster as well.

After the bulk of the city's leadership were forced from office, George C. Love became mayor for less than a year.  When Crump took office again (he had won re-election before the ouster) he knew he would be ousted again.  Thus R. A. Utley played out his part in the "Four Mayors in One Day" machinations of Boss Crump.

Utley is mostly remembered for his years as the Fire and Police Commissioner.  During his tenure the city obtained its first fully mechanized fire engine, dubbed "The R. A. Utley".  The partially restored engine is now on display at the Memphis Fire Museum.

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