PATTERSON, HOWARD "PAT" SIGNED PHOTO (TO WALI MUHAMMAD-ALI'S TRAINER)

Chief Howard "Pat" Patterson was the first African-American appointed police chief in the south suburban community, Dolton. Before taking the post in 1997, Chief Patterson spent 33 years with the Chicago Police Department, the last five in the major accidents investigation unit. Chief Patterson is probably best known for his years as a personal bodyguard to various celebrities, most notably Ali when he was the heavyweight champion of the world. While with Ali, Chief Patterson rubbed elbows with kings, queens and presidents, and he had the photos to prove it. His collection included photos of himself with the young Ali, Frank Sinatra, Marlon Brando, Ferdinand Marcos, Michael Jackson, Joe Louis, Dinah Shore, Sylvester Stallone and Henry Kissinger. The son of a mechanic and school janitor, Chief Patterson joined the Chicago Police Department in 1964 after stints as a truck driver, airport skycap and a repairman at a meatpacking plant. In 1965 his no-nonsense style was noticed by family and staff members of Nation of Islam leader Elijah Muhammad, whom he was assigned to protect soon after Malcolm X was killed in New York. Chief Patterson was later tracked down by staffers for Ali, who asked him to help guard the champ the day before Ali's title defense against George Chuvalo in Toronto. In 1974 Ali persuaded Mayor Richard J. Daley to assign Chief Patterson to him full time. Sometimes Ali would allow his bodyguard to bring his wife, Maude, a counselor with the Board of Education, and the couple's children, daughter Angela and son Howard Jr., a Chicago police officer, who preceded his father in death. Chief Patterson held the bodyguard post until about 1980, when Ali moved to Los Angeles. Years later, reflecting on his days with Ali, Chief Patterson said: "I'm a better person for having been around him. He was kind and sweet and taught me how to treat people with decency. He showed me that the joy of living is giving, not receiving." Pat Patterson passed away in 2001. Offered here is an original photograph of Muhammad Ali with Pat Patterson which Patterson has signed and inscribed to Ali assistant trainer Wali Muhammad.
This is an original photograph of Patterson and Ali at Ali's training camp in Deer Lake, Pennsylvania. Boldly signed in black sharpie, "To Walter My Brother With Love Howard Pat Patterson." Bold, clear image with bold signature. Not creased or torn. 8" x 10." A rare signed photograph of an important member of the Ali Team. From the collection of Ali assistant trainer, Wali Muhammad.