HomeMy WebLinkAboutGovt_FreddieCollege Station’s Police Robot
Lt. Bernie Kapella was managing the Crime Prevention Division in the early 1980s and set out to
obtain a Police Robot, which was a new concept designed to interact with younger children who
might be afraid to talk to a police officer in person. After conducting significant research and
contacting numerous local merchants for donations, the robot was purchased from 21st Century
Robotics in Lawrenceville, Georgia, with 100% donated funds. He wore a CSPD badge and a
brown cowboy hat, and was painted brown to match the officer’s uniforms at the time.
He is 5’4” tall, weighs 180 lbs., and was powered by two 12-volt batteries with on-board charger.
He contained a video recorder and 9” black and white television monitor, an 8-track player, an
AM/FM/Cassette player, a red/blue “visibar,” and a wireless two-way communication system for
voice and listening capabilities. The robot was operated by remote control and the operator
could actually conduct a conversation from a distance with a child who was standing in front of
the robot. Because of his size and weight, a specially designed trailer was purchased to transport
the robot to schools and community events.
Shortly after his arrival, a “name the robot” contest was held and F.R.E.D.D.I.E. was chosen. It
stands for FUTURISTIC ROBOT EQUIPPED WITH DEVICES, DESIGNED TO INFORM AND EDUCATE.
The winner of the contest was Joe Peddicord, a College Station resident who was 10 years old at
the time. His prize was a $50 Savings Bond.
In 1987, F.R.E.D.D.I.E. was painted blue to match the officer’s new uniforms and several
technology upgrades were performed. He was used frequently in the elementary schools and at
community events until the late 1990s, when the costs to repair, upgrade, and maintain him
became too great. Until early 2013 he remained in storage.
In preparation for the City’s 75th Anniversary Celebration, Mr. Henry Mayo and his son, John,
volunteered to work on F.R.E.D.D.I.E and spent many hours refurbishing him, converted him to
AC (household) power, and got some of his lights and sound working again.
Written by Cheryl Weichert
CSPD Administrative Staff Assistant