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Fallen Heroes

Friday, 01 November 2019 12:14

Lt. Cornelius J. Roche

Written by
Lt. Cornelius J. Roche

 

RocheLt. Cornelius J. Roche


On this day in BPD history 7 March 1933 we lost our Brother Lt. Cornelius J. Roche of Baltimore's Detective Bureau, Lt Roche suffered a Heart Attack and Paralytic Stroke while on duty and working the Presidential Inauguration of Franklin Delano Roosevelt in Washington DC. The Heart Attack and Stroke would take the Lieutenat's life before he could leave the city and get back to his family in Baltimore.

We lost two of our men while in DC the second was Capt. Charles H Burns, also from the Detective Bureau. The Captain passed away in his home on the 9th of March 1933. 

Please take a minute to read the following articles, we will always add info as it is learned.

http://baltimorepolicemuseum.org/images/The_Baltimore_Sun_Fri__Mar_10__1933_.jpg

10 March 1933 - Page 16

10 March 1933 - Page 9 with column 4

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Various newspaper articles on this subject. We will add more as they become available.

5 March 1933

http://baltimorepolicemuseum.org/images/The_Evening_Sun_Tue__Mar_7__1933_.jpg

7 March 1933

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This was found by Matt Hood when he posted the following on Facebook, I can not verify the captain as line of duty because he was sick before he left, believe me, I would like nothing more than to include him, but then I would have 100's more that have similar stories that seem close but have something about them that takes it out of the LOD end of it. Anyway here is what Matt Hood posted

HOOD

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 POLICE INFORMATION

Copies of: Your Baltimore Police Department Class Photo, Pictures of our Officers, Vehicles, Equipment, Newspaper Articles relating to our department and or officers, Old Departmental Newsletters, Lookouts, Wanted Posters, and or Brochures. Information on Deceased Officers and anything that may help Preserve the History and Proud Traditions of this agency. Please contact Retired Detective Kenny Driscoll.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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NOTICE

How to Dispose of Old Police Items

If you come into possession of Police items from an Estate or Death of a Police Officer Family Member and do not know how to properly dispose of these items please contact: Retired Detective Ken Driscoll - Please dispose of POLICE Items: Badges, Guns, Uniforms, Documents, PROPERLY so they won’t be used IMPROPERLY.

Please contact Det. Ret. Kenny Driscoll if you have any pictures of you or your family members and wish them remembered here on this tribute site to Honor the fine men and women who have served with Honor and Distinction at the Baltimore Police Department.

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Anyone with information, photographs, memorabilia, or other "Baltimore City Police" items can contact Ret. Det. Kenny Driscoll at  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. follow us on Twitter @BaltoPoliceHist or like us on Facebook or mail pics to 8138 Dundalk Ave. Baltimore Md. 21222

Copyright © 2002 Baltimore City Police History - Ret Det Kenny Driscoll

More details

NameDescription
End of Watch 7 March 1933
City, St. City, St.
Panel Number N/A
Cause of Death Heart Attack
District Worked Detective Department

 

  
   
   
   
   
   
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Friday, 01 November 2019 12:10

Patrolman Calvin Rodwell

Written by
Patrolman Calvin Rodwell

 

Patrolman Calvin Rodwell

On this day in Baltimore Police History 22 Sept, 1973 we lost our brother Patrolman Calvin Rodwell to gunfire based on the following: Like many officers, Patrolman Calvin Rodwell longed to instill a positive image of police officers into the children of Baltimore. To that he sought assignments within the department that allowed him to spend time teaching children, and building a foundation of trust in their young minds. Officer Rodwell's dedication to children went far beyond the normal 8 hour workday. In addition to teaching traffic safety schools at "Safety City" in the Southeast District, he also volunteer as an assistant scoutmaster, at his local scout troop, as well he serves with the big brothers of Baltimore. In his official position, he rarely confronted violent suspects; still he was a hero to so many.

To make ends meet living on the income of an officer in the 70's, Officer Rodwell was forced to moonlight as a taxi driver.( That was not unusual: off-duty officers often worked as cabbies, and the department gave its blessing, because this type work for police was widely publicized and helped decrease the rise of violent crimes against Baltimore cab drivers.) Shortly after midnight on Friday, September 21, 1973, Officer Rodwell picked up a fair at the corner of the McCollah and Wilson street. In Baltimore’s Central district - Louis Walker got in the back of Calvin's cab and requested a trip to Orleans and Asquith Streets. Calvin quickly drove his cab from Central’s west side of Baltimore to the east side, when all of a sudden Walker produced a handgun and forced Officer Rodwell to pull to the curb, Calvin complied and Walker ordered him out of the cab. Once out of the cab Walker drove away, unbeknownst to him, he drove off with more than Officer Rodman's cab and money, the officer's handgun was under cushion of the driver's seat. Rodwell pursued the cab on foot but quickly lost sight of his attacker. Several things Calvin could not have known at that time, things like the odds would be stacked against him that night. The gun used by Walker to rob Rodwell was borrowed; Walker borrowed the gun from another cabbie by the name of Ridgely Young, in fact he was heading back to give the gun back when he decided to rob Rodwell.

Officer Rodwell spotted a cab coming toward him and ran toward it for help. Of all the Cab's in Baltimore, this one was being driven by none other than, Ridgely Young, and as Rodwell neared it he had no way of knowing that Louis Walker, had already met up with Young, and returned his pistol; worse Louis Walker was now waiting in the backseat of Young’s cab, and he found Rodwell’s gun between the cushion of his cab. So as Young was flagged down by Rodwell Louis Walker learned he was more than just a cab driver, he was police, fearing he would be arrested for the robbery Louis Walker would quickly exited Young's cab to confront the now unarmed Officer. Witnesses heard Rodwell plea to Walker for his life seconds before 3 shots were fired by Walker; two of those round struck their target killing Officer Rodwell right there in the street. Officers and medics were dispatch to the scene and would transport the wounded officer to Church Home Hospital, where he was pronounced dead after midnight on the morning of Saturday, 22 September, 1973. Officer Calvin Rodwell touched the lives of many, during his 12 years of service with the Baltimore Police Department. Sadly he would leave behind his Wife Dorsey, and their three children Kimberly, Andre, and the Dino. Shortly after the shooting, Walker was arrested and charged with the murder of this devoted, husband, father, family man and role model.

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Officer's Killer Jailed

Jul 25, 1974

GEORGE J HILTNER

The Sun (1837-1987); pg. C18

Officer’s Killer Jailed

A 29 year old admitted dope addict was given prison terms totaling 50 years yesterday for the robbery and murder of an off-duty police officer who taught traffic safety to school children. Judge Charles D Harris, imposed the sentence directed the defendant to be sent to Patuxent Institution to determine if he was a defective delinquent. Lewis Walker, of the 2300 block Norfolk Ave. pled guilty in June to second degree murder and armed robbery of Officer Calvin M Rodwell, 34 who was moonlighting as a taxicab driver when he was killed on 22 September. In June Ridley W Young, 22 of the 2800 block Springhill Ave. a taxicab driver, also plead guilty to being an accessory in the robbery that caused the death of Officer Rodwell, Young received a 10 year term from Judge Albert L Sklar Charges were not filed

Other charges were not filed against Young in connection with the robbery/slaying in return for his providing evidence in the case against Walker, according to Dominic Lamele and Gerald Richman, the prosecutors in this case. Walker borrowed a pistol from Young (a Cab Driver) to carry out the robbery of a Cab Driver, he then hailed a cab in the 200 Blk. of Asquith St. the cab was being operate by Officer Rodwell. Walker took the Officers cab, and all of his money. After the robbery, Walker took the cab to a parking lot near the 100 Blk. of Asquith St. in order to return Young’s Gun to him as this was a predetermined location.  Officer Rodwell followed on foot and was shot and killed after confronting Walker alongside Young’s cab. Officer Calvin M. Rodwell was shot twice in the head and chest, some speculate that Walker may have already given the gun back to Young and that young may have killed Officer Rodwell as he was arresting Walker. As his brothers and sisters of the Baltimore Police Department we will not let him be forgotten. His service Honored the City of Baltimore, and the Police Department. RIP Officer Calvin Rodwell

More details

NameDescription
End of Watch 22 September, 1973
City, St. Baltimore, Md
Panel Number 1-W: 2
Cause of Death Gunfire
District Worked Southeastern
Published in Fallen Heroes
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Friday, 01 November 2019 11:53

Officer Jamie A. Roussey

Written by
Officer Jamie A. Roussey

 

CLICK HERE FOR AUDIO

Information from the “Officer Jamie A. Roussey Memorial Web Page” 22 year-old Police Officer Jamie Roussey, who had been on the job slightly more than a year, died last night of injuries he sustained when his Jeep Cherokee patrol vehicle collided with a car at a West Baltimore intersection. Officer Roussey was responding to help an officer involved in a foot pursuit. As he traveled northbound in the first block of N. Fulton Ave, he collided with a Dodge Neon at the 1700 block of W. Fayette St. The driver’s side of the Jeep hit a utility pole. Officer Roussey was transported to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

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On this day in Baltimore Police History 2000 we lost our brother Police Officer Jamie Allen Roussey - Officer Roussey died from injuries he sustained when his Jeep Cherokee patrol vehicle collided with a car at an intersection in West Baltimore. Jamie was responding to help an officer involved in a foot pursuit. As he traveled northbound in the unit block of N. Fulton Ave, he collided with a Dodge Neon at the 1700 block of W. Fayette St. The driver’s side of the Jeep hit a utility pole. Officer Roussey was transported to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

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A Career Inseparable from Family
Officer Killed in Crash had Father, Brother, 2 Relatives on Force

March 10, 2000

By Peter Hermann | Peter Hermann,SUN STAFF

Jamie A. Roussey had one career and one family. The two were indistinguishable.

His father, brother, uncle and cousin doubled as colleagues in the Baltimore Police Department, a proud lineage that makes the Roussey name synonymous with law enforcement for virtually anyone who wears a badge in the city. The close ties were evident Wednesday, when Roussey sped to help three fellow officers and died when his cruiser collided with another car in West Baltimore. His cousin, Seth Roussey, was the first officer on the scene. "That's a very proud police family," said Mayor Martin O'Malley, who has Roussey's uncle, Officer Vincent Roussey, on his security detail. "He was a young, bright, dedicated kid who has the toughest job in this great city." O'Malley ordered flags flown at half-staff until Monday's funeral at the family church in Catonsville. Roussey, 22, is the third officer in two years to die in the line of duty and the 100th since the department was formed in 1870. He graduated from the police academy four months ago. He lived with his motherand father, Frederick, a police sergeant, who often brought his young son to work in the Western District. "He knew he was going to be a Baltimore City police officer," said Rob Tomback, Roussey's principal at Catonsville High School. "There was no doubt. He had his sights set on that, and that is what he achieved." Grief-stricken family members did not make public statements yesterday but indicated they might meet with reporters today. Two years ago, Roussey's parents took out a full-page ad in his high school yearbook to showcase their son's achievements. "Your sparkling personality and sense of humor have brightened many days," they wrote under a photo spread showing Roussey in his football uniform, standing beside his pickup truck and smiling as a baby. "Nothing is beyond your reach," they added. "We love you and we'll always be there to support you."

Roussey was killed as he sped through an intersection at North Fulton Avenue and West Fayette Street about 5: 45 p.m. Wednesday. He was trying to reach officers running after a man suspected of possessing marijuana. The suspect was later arrested. A Dodge Neon broadsided the passenger side of the police Jeep, sending it hurtling into a utility pole and crushing the driver's side of the vehicle. The cause of the accident remains under investigation. Maj. Michael Bass, a police spokesman, said witnesses reported that Roussey had his emergency lights and siren activated, but that he may have gone through a red light.Police vehicles are allowed to go through red lights only after coming to a complete stop, to make sure the intersection is clear of traffic. Bass said investigators have not determined whether that was done in this case. The driver and passenger of the Neon have not been charged or cited in connection with the crash. But police said they found a Glock 9 mm gun in the Neon's trunk and suspected drug paraphernalia with a trace amount of suspected marijuana.

Calvin Thompson Jr., 20, of the 4100 block of Mountwood Road, and Robert Scott, 28, of the 100 block of Palormo Ave., were charged with handgun and drug possession and were being held in the Central Booking and Intake Center last night. Accidents involving police cars occur frequently, though the numbers have declined since 1995, when 554 were reported. That year, 186 were listed as the officer's fault. In 1998 -- the most recent year numbers are available -- 255 departmental accidents occurred, with 95 listed as the officer's fault.

Officer Harold A. Carey was killed in 1998 when his cruiser collided with another patrol car -- both speeding to the same emergency. One went through a red light. Roussey's death hit the Western District station hard. Though new to the police force, the young officer was well-liked. He wanted to patrol the Western, in one of the city's toughest neighborhoods, and teased his cousin, Seth, assigned to the more sedate Southern, officers there said. "My learning experiences will be a lot greater than yours," he told his cousin, recalled Sgt. Andre O. Monroe. "He used to always come up to me, and he used to tell me how excited he was to come into the Western District."

The mood was somber during yesterday's roll call for Roussey's 4 p.m. to midnight shift. Lt. John Mack told officers that Roussey would want them to continue to make the city safer. Business as usual was easier said than done yesterday. "Behind this blue uniform, there are definitely hurt souls," Mack said. Roussey grew up in Catonsville, across the street from the high school -- a center of neighborhood activity in the close-knit community. The response to a call to the school and a request for someone who knows the Rousseys tells how well the name is known there.

"That would be everybody," said an administrator.

In high school, Roussey excelled as a student and participated in lacrosse, football and wrestling. His principal, Tomback, remembers the 6-foot-2, 215-pound lineman motivating his teammates to rally for a come-from-behind victory that at "one point just seemed hopeless."

The five active-duty Rousseys made up one of the largest family contingents in the Police Department. His father, Sgt. Frederick Roussey, is assigned to the sex offense unit. His brother, Frederick Roussey Jr., patrols the Southern District, along with his cousin, Seth. His uncle, Vincent, is a member of the mayor's security detail. "It's one of those names that is synonymous with law enforcement in Baltimore City," said Officer Gary McLhinney, the police union president. Added Bass: "Their friends are in the hundreds in this agency." Lt. Susan Young has known Roussey since he was 10. Not only is she a family friend -- she was at their home Wednesday night to help them grieve -- she helped train the young man at the academy. "He had the potential to be one of the best," Young said. Unlike his father, who was outgoing, she said Roussey was "one of those quiet ones that maybe you didn't think was listening, but if you asked him a question, he had the answer." Young said she kept her friendship with Young a secret at the academy, to avoid any appearance of favoritism. But they had their own hidden game during inspections, where Roussey tried to be serious.

"I would crack a smile, give him a wink, and he couldn't keep a straight face," Young said. "I purposely did it to him, just to make him laugh." At his Nov. 5 graduation, Roussey joined 46 of the department's newest officers at the War Memorial Building, where they heard a top police commander tell them, "The quality of life on the streets is still rotten," and it was their job to make it better. Roussey's friends said he took those words to heart. His father had worked the drug-torn streets of the Western District, and that was where he wanted to be. McLhinney described Roussey's father, whom he spoke to Wednesday night, as proud but devastated.

"Most fathers want their sons to follow in their footsteps," the union president said. "He was such a young guy who really wanted to make a difference." Sun staff writer Stacey Hirsh contributed to this article. Viewings, Funeral Viewings for Officer Jamie A. Roussey will be held at Witzke Funeral Home, 1630 Edmondson Ave., Catonsville, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. today and from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. tomorrow and Sunday. The funeral is scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday at St. Agnes Roman Catholic Church, St. Agnes Lane and Baltimore National Pike. Interment will follow at Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens in Timonium. The family has set up the Jamie A. Roussey Scholarship Fund. Donations can be sent to Baltimore City Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 3, 3920 Buena Vista Ave., Baltimore 21211. We his brothers and sisters of the Baltimore Police Department will not let him be forgotten. God Bless and Rest in Peace as "His service "Honored" the City of Baltimore and the Police Department"

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Officer Killed in Collision went Through Red Light

March 11, 2000

Siren, lights were on

Police say other driver might be charged

By Peter Hermann | Peter Hermann,SUN STAFF

Police investigating Wednesday's car accident that claimed the life of a Baltimore police officer have determined that the officer went through a red light, a department spokesman said yesterday. But authorities said they are considering charging the 20-year-old driver of the Dodge Neon involved in the crash with some type of traffic offense, possibly failing to yield to an emergency vehicle or a more serious charge related to the fatality.

Maj. Michael Bass, the spokesman, said a decision will be made in a week to 10 days, after results of the investigation are presented to the city state's attorney's office and prosecutors review the case. Police officials were busy yesterday planning Monday's funeral for Officer Jamie A. Roussey, 22, who was killed four months after graduating from the police academy while trying to reach three fellow officers chasing a drug suspect. The officer's family -- which includes a father, brother, cousin and uncle who are on the city force -- have not made any public comments. Relatives would not comment when reached at their home yesterday. The funeral is at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Agnes Roman Catholic Church in Catonsville. Flags in the city have been ordered to fly at half-staff and a black mourning cloth has been draped over the entrance to the Western District police station, where Roussey had been assigned.

100th to die on duty

He was the 100th Baltimore police officer to die in the line of duty since the department was formed in 1870, the second in two years to be killed in a car accident. Officer Harold A. Carey died in 1998 when his cruiser collided with another squad car on North Howard Street. The accident that claimed Roussey's life occurred about 5: 45 p.m. The officer was traveling north on Fulton Avenue in a marked Jeep Cherokee when he was broadsided by the Neon, whose driver was westbound on Fayette Street. Roussey was speeding to help three colleagues -- Officers Robert Peregoy, Sean Miller and Jeff Archamault -- who were chasing a man suspected of holding marijuana several blocks away at Payson and Penrose streets.

Bass said yesterday that investigators have confirmed accounts from several witnesses that the driver of the Neon had the green light and that Roussey went through a red light. The spokesman said the officer's emergency lights and siren were on. Officers are required to come to a full stop at every stop sign and red light, even when responding to emergency calls, to make sure the intersection is clear, before they proceed. Bass said investigators have not determined whether that was done in this case. The law also requires that civilian drivers yield to emergency vehicles. The spokesman would not comment on what specific charges are being considered, but he did say: "Obviously, because it is a fatal accident, there may be charges addressing that aspect." The driver of the Neon has been identified as Calvin A. Thompson Jr., 20, of the 4100 block of Mountwood Road in West Baltimore. Police said that Roland J. Scott, 28, of the 100 block of Palormo Ave. in West Baltimore was in the front passenger seat.

Handgun, drug charges filed

Both were treated for minor injuries and then charged with gun and drug possession; police said they found a 9 mm Glock handgun and a pipe with suspected marijuana residue in the car. Thompson and Scott have been released on $5,000 bail each and have a court hearing set for next month. Neither could be reached for comment yesterday. Thompson's father, Calvin A. Thompson Sr., 49, said he "feel[s] for the family of the officer. It's a tragedy. A man lost his life." He said he has not talked to his son about the crash.Warren A. Brown, a criminal defense attorney, said prosecutors would have to show that the driver of the Neon "had a reckless disregard for human life" to bring an auto manslaughter case -- which he said would be difficult given the circumstances of this case. "It's a tragedy, but nothing criminal," he said.

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Stories Illustrate Officer's Brief, Bright Police Career

March 14, 2000

Family, friends recall Roussey's love of job, kindness to local kids

By Peter Hermann | Peter Hermann,SUN STAFF

Jamie Roussey had been a police officer only four months before he was killed rushing to help a colleague. To those who knew the 22-year-old, it seemed he had worked the streets a lifetime.

He had built a rapport with children on troubled streets, playing the role of tooth fairy to gap-toothed youngsters. He volunteered to work when he should have been off -- like Wednesday, when he was killed in a car crash. At yesterday's funeral Mass at St. Agnes Roman Catholic Church in Catonsville, 500 mourners packed pews and lined aisles to hear story after story that accumulated during Roussey's brief career. "Even if we knew he was going to be killed in the line of duty, we wouldn't have lifted a finger to stop him," said the fallen officer's father, Sgt. Frederick Roussey, also a member of Baltimore's police force. In addition to his father, Roussey's uncle Vincent; his brother Frederick Jr.; and his cousin Seth are active city officers -- making the name one of the most recognizable on the 3,200-member department.

Roussey was killed while speeding to help three colleagues who were chasing a drug suspect in West Baltimore. The marked Jeep Cherokee he was driving was broadsided by a car at North Fulton Avenue and West Fayette Street. The 100th city officer to die in the line of duty since 1870, Roussey had always wanted to be a police officer. His father took him to the station when he was age 2, and he grew up wanting to work at Western District. In a rousing, tearful eulogy, the senior Roussey praised his son as a casualty of battle -- "a soldier in the war on crime. Do not allow the criminals to win. If we let them divide us or break our spirit, it means Jamie died for nothing."

The young Roussey embraced the family credo -- that life matters "because I was important to a life of a child." Moments before he sped to help his fellow officers, he had been passing out bags of chips to children. "He wasn't cynical about this job," said Mayor Martin O'Malley. "There was nothing he wanted to do other than be a police officer in this city. And he insisted on going to the Western District, one of the most violent in our city, one that takes enormously hard work and compassion." The mayor turned to Roussey's relatives. "No family," he said, "will ever pay a higher price to make the city a safer place. Our city owes your family a debt we will never be able to repay."

Roussey, a 1997 Catonsville High School graduate, had been a standout in football, wrestling and lacrosse, and was awarded the Catonsville Gold Award for participating in three sports while maintaining a B average. He completed police academy training in November and told anyone who would listen that he wanted to be a sergeant by age 25 and a lieutenant by 30. Monsignor Victor Galeone acknowledged the grief and anger felt at Roussey's death. "If Jamie had only been off that night like he was supposed to. If only Jamie had not responded to the Signal 13, an officer's call for distress. If only Jamie had gone through that intersection three seconds earlier. If only. If only." Galeone said he wished he had known Roussey better than the quick handshakes at the end of Sunday Mass -- about how close Roussey was to his family, about the pickup truck he bought and cherished, about the children he helped on inner-city streets. The priest said his most touching moment of the past several days was Friday, during an evening viewing, when a brother carefully arranged rosary beads in Roussey's hands, and another put a can of Guinness beer, his favorite, in the other.

The theme of Easter and resurrection echoed through the church -- the Gospel reading was of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. Galeone said Roussey did not "wear his religion around his neck, like I do, but where it is most important, down in his heart." He recounted Roussey leaving work one day and spying a boy missing his front tooth:

"Hey, little fella," Roussey called out, "did the tooth fairy give you any money?" The child answered no. "Of course not," the officer answered. "The tooth fairy gave me the money and said to give it to you." Roussey handed the child a dollar bill. Before he knew it, another kid said, "My tooth is missing." And another He came home and said, "Pop, before I got out of there, I was out 10 bucks." Midway through the Mass, a former girlfriend and a high school friend walked to the casket -- draped in a white resurrection cloth -- and placed Roussey's cap and badge on top -- a tribute that remained in place through the service. O'Malley, on behalf of the family, read a poem by an unknown author called "The Final Inspection," about a police officer facing God at judgment time. The officer is forced to acknowledge that he's missed Mass and not always turned the other cheek. "No, Lord, I'll be straight; Those of us carry a badge; Can't always be a Saint." The fallen officer tells God of his daily routine -- that he never took a penny that wasn't his and he "never passed a cry for help." God answers: "Step forward now Policeman; You've borne your burden well; Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets; You've done your time in hell."

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In the Spirit of Fallen Officer, a Family Laces up to Run

5/21/03

By Marcia Ames

Posted 5/21/03

Sixteen-year-old David Roussey filled some big shoes last week for the final stretch of a police memorial run to Washington, D.C. - his brother Jamie's size 11 Nikes. "I told him, 'Tie 'em tight, 'cause they're big,'" said their father, Lt. Frederick Roussey of the Baltimore City police. David, a Catonsville High School junior who had never run more than eight miles at a time, ran 17 miles in his own size 9-1/2 shoes the first day, May 12, and 16 miles the next. On May 14, he donned Jamie's Nikes and some extra socks to complete the final 10-mile leg. After reaching the finish line on time at noon, David walked a few yards to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, where a gray marble wall is engraved with thousands of names. Knowing exactly where to find Jamie's name, he touched it, and wept. Jamie Allen Roussey died on a Wednesday three years ago - March 8, 2000 - while on duty as a Baltimore police officer. His police jeep was broadsided at an intersection by another vehicle as he rushed to help fellow officers in pursuit of a suspect.

Barely 22 years old, Roussey had graduated from the police academy exactly four months earlier in the top 5 percent of his class. He had worn the Nikes during 1999's Law Enforcement Memorial Run, but did not live to see the 2000 event. Sitting in the family's Catonsville home on Wednesday afternoon, David held Jamie's shoes and wept again, recalling the older brother who "was always happy, always caring." His sister Laura, a 15-year-old CHS freshman who completed a five-mile segment last week in Baltimore, smiled as she talked about Jamie. "He would call me 'girl,' or just 'special-special,'" she said, but then fell silent, her eyes to the floor. "I see him in everybody," said Christopher, 18, another brother, who stayed in school last week for a Comets lacrosse game. "I don't stop thinking about him."

Despite the family's loss, both brothers plan to follow Jamie's footsteps into the police academy, to serve alongside their father. And although he approves, Frederick Roussey said he and his wife, Charlene, will never forget the sight of Jamie's lifeless body lying on a gurney at Maryland Shock Trauma, the day of the accident. "That's the image that is burned into my brain," he said. "But I also think of him when he was a little kid going to kindergarten, said Roussey. "He would say, 'I'm going to be a police officer one day - just like you, Dad.'" Roussey said the Law Enforcement Memorial Run is sponsored annually during National Police Week by the Philadelphia chapter of Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS), a nonprofit outreach group serving the families of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. The course begins in Philadelphia, and continues through Delaware and Maryland to D.C. "It's a three-day memorial to make people aware that these guys were killed serving the public," said Roussey. "Jamie's name is on the memorial with about 16,000 other names - and this year we're adding about 149."

The full list includes seven officers from the Baltimore County Police Department: Patrolman Edward Kuznar, who died in 1969 in an automobile accident; Patrolman Charles Alan Huckeba, 1977, from gunfire; Cpl. Samuel L. Snyder, 1983, from gunfire; Patrolman Robert William Zimmerman, 1986, who was struck by a vehicle; Sgt. Bruce Allen Prothero, 2000, from gunfire; Officer John W. Stem Sr., 2000, from gunfire; and Sgt. Mark Frank Parry, who was assaulted by a vehicle in January of last year.

Laura and David's friends Rachel Pietrowiak, Alex Hook and John and Mike Filipiak ran a few miles of the total last week to honor Jamie. So did a number of Frederick's friends and the Baltimore police academy's current training class. Frederick said that more than 60 people completed the full, 150-mile course, and hundreds more participated. He accompanied David by van, and coordinated a videotaping of the event for use in recruiting additional participants next year. Other major sponsors included the Pennsylvania Fraternal Order of Police and the Philadelphia office of the FBI. Contact Marcia Ames via e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. "He would say, 'I'm going to be a police officer one day _ just like you, Dad.'"Frederick Roussey, Baltimore City police lieutenant
#‎BPDNeverForget‬
 

More details

NameDescription
End of Watch 8 March, 2000
City, St. 1700 block of W. Fayette St.
Panel Number 7-W: 22
Cause of Death Auto Accident
Weapon - Vehicle
District Worked Western
Published in Fallen Heroes
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Friday, 01 November 2019 11:44

Officer Edgar Rumpf

Written by
Officer Edgar Rumpf

 

Edgar J Rumpf
1-E: 11
End of Watch: February 16, 1978
Baltimore City, Maryland, P.D.


Smoke was pouring out of the windows of a second floor apartment at 1526 Park Avenue, when alert Central District officers noticed this and called for the Fire Department. Several officers, including Officer Edgar Rumpf, bravely began to go door to door in an effort to alert residents, saving countless lives. Fire apparatus began to arrive and immediately called for others. As quick as it began, the fire required a third alarm. By 1430 hours, the fire was a six alarm blaze. It reached nine alarms before being brought under control. On the Central District radio frequency, officers could be heard checking with each other, assuring the building was being cleared. Then came a call from Officer Edgar Rumpf, one of the two officers assigned to 134 car. He was trapped in an elevator and there was no way to reach him. To their credit, firefighters followed screens of water through the burning building in a vain effort to locate Officer Edgar Rumpf, often greatly risking their own lives. After repeated attempts in which they firefighters found themselves completely encircled by flames, the reality of the situation was clear, there could be no more rescue effort. A roll call was conducted on the radio in the hope that Officer Rumpf might have made it safety, but after several attempts, Officer Rumpf could not be raised. He was found the next morning.

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On this day in Baltimore Police History 1978 we lost our brother Officer Edgar James Rumpf, Jr. to an apartment fire based on the following; Officer Edgar James Rumpf, Jr. died in the Beethoven North Apartments fire after leading two children to safety, he was buried by a priest who instructed the hero's family, and fellow policemen about love. The Rev. Robert C. Callahan, celebrating the mass of Christian burial at Christ the King Catholic Church in Dundalk, derived his eulogy from words of St. Paul.

He said to the mourners:

"Love is patient. Love is kind. Love is not jealous. It does not put on airs. It is not snobbish. It is not rude. It is not self-seeking, nor is it prone to anger, or prone to be injurious." Telling the mourners that, "There are, No limits to God's Love," Father Callahan added softly of the fallen officer: "Perhaps even the men who knew him well didn’t fully appreciate the depths of his love." After the 33-year-old officer was buried at Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens, Father Callahan told a reporter: "I don't like to be long-winded, and I'm capable of that. But I wanted to tell them that because Jimmy sacrificed his life, they all had something to be proud of. He gave up his life for people as an act of perfect love."

Officer Rumpf, was the 81st officer to die in the line of duty. Since 1808, Officer Rumph was the first, according to departmental records, to have died responding to a fire. He radioed headquarters after seeing smoke billow from the Bolton Hill apartment building, his colleagues reported, “He then rushed inside to escort residents from the structure.” The police officer was known to have led two children to safety, then apparently re-entered the Beethoven in search of other tenants.Officials accounted for all who had been in the building when the fire started but they listed Officer Rumpf as missing. His body was found Thursday morning in the pit of an elevator shaft. In his eulogy, Father Callahan, 47, made an effort to console the officer's family and the more than 300 police officers in attendance-each perhaps wondering if it could have been his or her funeral instead. Public officials also helped pack the Catholic church in the 300 block Sollers Point road. After the 35-minute mass, acting Governor Lee said be bad been touched by the service, which he termed "so- sad but a beautiful funeral" Mr. Lee said Officer Rumpf, with a reputation for quiet and unspectacular diligence during his seven years on the force, remained an unsung hero until his death. "You never know bow men respond until an act occurs to show heroism,'' be said. "Some men respond and some men don't. This man responded beautifully.'' When Officer Rumpfs body was found, his service revolver was recovered but his badge and cap emblem were missing. They still have not been found. His commander, Maj. Harwood W. Burritt, Jr., of Central District, said at the graveside that Officer Rumpf therefore had to be buried without them, although replicas will be made and delivered to his widow, Judy Ann. Mrs. Rumpf, who entered the church on the arms of a police officer as she clutched a color portrait of her husband, sat quietly during Father Callahan's eulogy. Her children, Peter C., 4, and Clinton J., 8 months, were not present. At the grave, escorted by her mother, Mrs. Rumpf sat stoically, still holding the portrait, as a city police honor guard stood at attention arid police pallbearers lifted the 175-pound, gray metal casket with silver-colored maple leafs. Mrs. Rumpf sat silently, not crying, responding to Father Callahan's final prayers, alternately looking down into the grave, then gazing up at the canopy over the site, as a bugler sounded taps. When Major Burritt presented Mrs. Rumpf the flag from her husband’s casket, she kissed it, then acknowledged sentiments whispered to her by Mayor Schaefer and Donald D. Pomerleau, city police commissioner, as both passed by. She offered a smile to Father Callahan. Then Mrs. Rumpf stood, leaned over the casket, kissed it, and walked away. Father Callahan said later that he had been "working on" obtaining an annulment of Mrs. Rumpf's prior marriage and had recently told the couple that he would be able to officiate at a Catholic church wedding for them "within a few months." "We were trying to get it through and then, of course, Jimmy died,'' be said. The priest said the couple had married at Dundalk Methodist Church. He had officiated at Mrs. Rumpf's first marriage, the priest said, as well as at those of her two brothers, and was close to her entire family. The couple bad moved about a month ago into the 1300 block Broening highway, which meant that they should have been parishioners of St. Rita's Church, But Father Callahan said that when the word came last Thursday that Officer Rurnpf's body had been found in the aftermath of the nine-alarm fire in which 77 tenants lost their homes, he was called in. The priest said that while no decision had been made yet on support of the family, he hoped a combination of city compensation and support from friends would see the family through until Mrs. Rumpf makes decisions about the future.

"She was in the Air Force for a while," he noted. "She has• a very close-knit and very good family. They stick together. I'm sure they'll all be very realistic." Other public officials who attended the funeral were Walter S Orlinsky, City Council president; Hyman A. Pressman, city comptroller, and William A. Swisher, the state's attorney. None spoke at the service. As the coffin ,was transported by hearse from the church through Dundalk and onto• the Beltway, Baltimore county police closed intersections and Beltway access ramps to allow the mile-long funeral procession to move uninterrupted. They controlled traffic, saluting as they stood at attention, as the motorcade passed by slowly. As we take this time to remember him, and thank him for his service and sacrifice. We his brothers and sisters of the Baltimore Police Department will not let him be forgotten. God Bless and rest in Peace.

Devider

I was the "motorized" footman for Bolton Hill on this terrible day. I had been dispatched to a call on Chase Street and was heading back to 158 post when I heard Ed on the radio reporting that he found smoke coming out of one of the front 2nd floor apartment windows. He requested the Fire Department to respond. By this time I was coming up the hill on Park Ave. and heard someone come across the radio calling for help. They were coughing and obviously from the sound of their voice, in distress. I knew it was Ed. When I pulled passed the building there were no fire units on the scene. I saw P/O Richard Sprouse brining out some people, as was a mail carrier. There were flames shooting from the front 2nd floor window and again the radio crackled and in a calmer and softer spoken voice I heard coughing and then the word "help". It was Ed. P/O Steve Ossmus arrived and we entered the stairs on north side of the building. This was the first time I realized I could hear sirens. We went straight to the second floor and attempted to go through the door but as soon as I grabbed the door handle that led to the hall I had to let go. It was too hot to touch. Steve and I tried to open it but to no avail. He and I ( as foolish as it was) went to the top floor. We opened the stairwell door and found the hall saturated in smoke. The fire alarm was going off and some people were in the hall. We directed them down the stairs we came up. We yelled, banged on doors, and blew our whistles to get some other people to come out of their apartments. Luckily most people had gone to work and only a few remained. We were in the stairwell of the 3rd floor when some of the ceiling tiles started melting over our heads. We made it outside to find the Fire Department just hooking up their first line. (It was later learned that the fire units on Mc Mechen St just 5 blocks away had responded to a false alarm pulled by a school kid). As we made it to the front of the building I was shocked to see how much the fire had spread from the time I had arrived. Steve and I were lucky. What a stupid thing we did! But it was to look for Ed. I stood in a line with many other officers from Sectors 3 and 5 and watched the building burn. It was surreal. I could only hear the Central District dispatcher doing a Sector by Sector roll call. Not once.... But twice. Both times when they called Ed's unit number.... No response. We all knew Ed was gone. Several days later the building laid in a huge pile of stone and metal. There was a hook and ladder still putting water on the rubble. There was a crane digging in the area of the elevators. They were looking for Ed. We watched this for a couple more days until the Fire Chief came into the command post and told Major Burritt that they believed they had located Ed at the base of the elevator shaft. I was still the postman and was directed to go to the excavation with the medics for the purpose of identifying the remains. The pit was filled with water and debris. Obviously the fire personnel had placed the remains on a ledge of debris. I won't provide any further description out of respect for Ed and his family, but I saw that familiar collar of a reefer. The chain was still attached and there was a partial shoulder patch on the partial coat. No doubt about it... It was Ed. What came next was totally surprising. As I sat in the command post the Fire department brought in some articles they found around Ed. Including the portion of the reefer that I had identified. In looking over the coat where our badge is located was a large melted mass. I'm sure it was Ed's badge that melted from the heat. There was a partially burned left handed gun belt. There was a small part of the holster still attached. Surprised at the articles they brought in, I was shocked to be handed a wet, tightly compressed roll of paper money. The top and bottom of the bills were scorched. I unrolled the top bill and when I laid it out, you could clearly see scorched parallel lines on the bill. Subsequently I unrolled all of the money and had later learned that it was the same amount of money Ed received when he cashed his pay check earlier on that dreadful day.

Fire personnel then brought in another surprise..... a bucket of coins. They reported that the coins were found at the bottom of the pit with Ed. Deputy Battaglia was on the scene and directed me to respond to ECU with the cash and coins. After it was processed, ECU gave it back to me and directed to go to the Commissioner's Office. When I arrived Commissioner Pomerleau looked at the ECU inventory sheet and then he made a call. I heard him tell the person on the other end of the call how much had been inventoried and that he was sending an officer over to see him. He terminated the call and told me to take the money to the Union Trust Bank across from City Hall and that what ever I received from the manager, I was to immediately take it to the Rumph residence and turn it over to Sgt. Joe Richardson who was with Judy and her family. He was Ed's Sergeant. At the bank I was taken into the manager's office where he gave me two sealed envelopes. One I'm sure was a check in the amount of the inventoried money. When he gave me the other snowball he said.."This is for the family". I took the envelopes as direct. I met Sgt. Joe at the door and gave them to him. The house was packed with family and blue uniforms. I have no recollection of the drive back to the command post. For years Judy Rumph would show up at the station on holidays or special events to bring us food, desserts and her inspirational attitude to survive what life give you. She is a remarkable woman. What a terrible, terrible week. Every year on this anniversary of Ed's death I say a prayer for him and his family. I then give thanks to GOD for seeing Steve and I safely through our search that day. Over the years I have had many thoughts on this entire incident. The one thing that keeps coming to mind is that being left handed, knowing he was probably going to die, thinking of his family Ed wrapped his recent pay inside the grasp of his left hand and laid on his left side. This last assumption is supported by the fact that the portions of the gun belt and reefer were from the left side.
Rest in Peace Ed.

Devider color with motto
Smoke was pouring out of the windows of a second floor apartment at 1526 Park Avenue, when alert Central District officers noticed this and called for the Fire Department. Several officers, including Officer Edgar Rumpf, bravely began to go door to door in an effort to alert residents, saving countless lives. Fire apparatus began to arrive and immediately called for others. As quick as it began, the fire required a third alarm. By 1430 hours, the fire was a six alarm blaze. It reached nine alarms before being brought under control. On the Central District radio frequency, officers could be heard checking with each other, assuring the building was being cleared. Then came a call from Officer Edgar Rumpf, one of the two officers assigned to 134 car. He was trapped in an elevator and there was no way to reach him. To their credit, firefighters followed screens of water through the burning building in a vain effort to locate Officer Edgar Rumpf, often greatly risking their own lives. After repeated attempts in which they firefighters found themselves completely encircled by flames, the reality of the situation was clear, there could be no more rescue effort. A roll call was conducted on the radio in the hope that Officer Rumpf might have made it safety, but after several attempts, Officer Rumpf could not be raised. He was found the next morning.

Devider

On this day in Baltimore Police History 1978 we lost our brother Officer Edgar James Rumpf, Jr. to an apartment fire based on the following; Officer Edgar James Rumpf, Jr. died in the Beethoven North Apartments fire after leading two children to safety, he was buried by a priest who instructed the hero's family, and fellow policemen about love.The Rev. Robert C. Callahan, celebrating the mass of Christian burial at Christ the King Catholic Church in Dundalk, derived his eulogy from words of St. Paul. He said to the mourners: "Love is patient. Love is kind. Love is not jealous. It does not put on airs. It is not snobbish. It is not rude. It is not self-seeking, nor is it prone to anger, or prone to be injurious." Telling the mourners that, "There are,No limits to God's Love," Father Callahan added softly of the fallen officer: "Perhaps even the men who knew him well didn’t fully appreciate the depths of his love." After the 33-year-old officer was buried at Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens, Father Callahan told a reporter: "I don't like to be long-winded, and I'm capable of that. But I wanted to tell them that because Jimmy sacrificed his life, they all had something to be proud of. He gave up his life for people as an act of perfect love." Officer Rumpf, was the 81st officer to die in the line of duty. Since 1808, Officer Rumph was the first, according to departmental records, to have died responding to a fire. He radioed headquarters after seeing smoke billow from the Bolton Hill apartment building, his colleagues reported, “He then rushed inside to escort residents from the structure.” The police officer was known to have led two children to safety, then apparently re-entered the Beethoven in search of other tenants. Officials accounted for all who had been in the building when the fire started but they listed Officer Rumpf as missing. His body was found Thursday morning in the pit of an elevator shaft. In his eulogy, Father Callahan, 47, made an effort to console the officer's family and the more than 300 police officers in attendance-each perhaps wondering if it could have been his or her funeral instead. Public officials also helped pack the Catholic church in the 300 block Sollers Point road. After the 35-minute mass, acting Governor Lee said be bad been touched by the service, which he termed "so- sad but a beautiful funeral" Mr. Lee said Officer Rumpf, with a reputation for quiet and unspectacular diligence during his seven years on the force, remained an unsung hero until his death. "You never know bow men respond until an act occurs to show heroism,'' be said. "Some men respond and some men don't. This man responded beautifully.'' When Officer Rumpfs body was found, his service revolver was recovered but his badge and cap emblem were missing. They still have not been found. His commander, Maj. Harwood W. Burritt, Jr., of Central District, said at the graveside that Officer Rumpf therefore had to be buried without them, although replicas will be made and delivered to his widow, Judy Ann. Mrs. Rumpf, who entered the church on the arms of a police officer as she clutched a color portrait of her husband, sat quietly during Father Callahan's eulogy.Her children, Peter C., 4, and Clinton J., 8 months, were not present. At the grave, escorted by her mother, Mrs. Rumpf sat stoically, still holding the portrait, as a city police honor guard stood at attention arid police pallbearers lifted the 175-pound, gray metal casket with silver-colored maple leafs. Mrs. Rumpf sat silently, not crying, responding to Father Callahan's final prayers, alternately looking down into the grave, then gazing up at the canopy over the site, as a bugler sounded taps.When Major Burritt presented Mrs. Rumpf the flag from her husband’s casket, she kissed it, then acknowledged sentiments whispered to her by Mayor Schaefer and Donald D. Pomerleau, city police commissioner, as both passed by. She offered a smile to Father Callahan. Then Mrs. Rumpf stood, leaned over the casket, kissed it, and walked away. Father Callahan said later that he had been "working on" obtaining an annulment of Mrs. Rumpf's prior marriage and had recently told the couple that he would be able to officiate at a Catholic church wedding for them "within a few months." "We were trying to get it through and then, of course, Jimmy died,'' be said. The priest said the couple had married at Dundalk Methodist Church. He had officiated at Mrs. Rumpf's first marriage, the priest said, as well as at those of her two brothers, and was close to her entire family. The couple bad moved about a month ago into the 1300 block Broening highway, which meant that they should have been parishioners of St. Rita's Church, But Father Callahan said that when the word came last Thursday that Officer Rurnpf's body had been found in the aftermath of the nine-alarm fire in which 77 tenants lost their homes, he was called in. The priest said that while no decision had been made yet on support of the family, he hoped a combination of city compensation and support from friends would see the family through until Mrs. Rumpf makes decisions about the future.
"She was in the Air Force for a while," he noted. "She has• a very close-knit and very good family. They stick together. I'm sure they'll all be very realistic." Other public officials who attended the funeral were Walter S Orlinsky, City Council president; Hyman A. Pressman, city comptroller, and William A. Swisher, the state's attorney. None spoke at the service. As the coffin ,was transported by hearse from the church through Dundalk and onto• the Beltway, Baltimore county police closed intersections and Beltway access ramps to allow the mile-long funeral procession to move uninterrupted. They controlled traffic, saluting as they stood at attention, as the motorcade passed by slowly. As we take this time to remember him, and thank him for his service and sacrifice. We his brothers and sisters of the Baltimore Police Department will not let him be forgotten. God Bless and rest in Peace.

I was the "motorized" footman for Bolton Hill on this terrible day. I had been dispatched to a call on Chase Street and was heading back to 158 post when I heard Ed on the radio reporting that he found smoke coming out of one of the front 2nd floor apartment windows. He requested the Fire Department to respond. By this time I was coming up the hill on Park Ave. and heard someone come across the radio calling for help. They were coughing and obviously from the sound of their voice, in distress. I knew it was Ed. When I pulled passed the building there were no fire units on the scene. I saw P/O Richard Sprouse brining out some people, as was a mail carrier. There were flames shooting from the front 2nd floor window and again the radio crackled and in a calmer and softer spoken voice I heard coughing and then the word "help". It was Ed. P/O Steve Ossmus arrived and we entered the stairs on north side of the building. This was the first time I realized I could hear sirens. We went straight to the second floor and attempted to go through the door but as soon as I grabbed the door handle that led to the hall I had to let go. It was too hot to touch. Steve and I tried to open it but to no avail. He and I ( as foolish as it was) went to the top floor. We opened the stairwell door and found the hall saturated in smoke. The fire alarm was going off and some people were in the hall. We directed them down the stairs we came up. We yelled, banged on doors, and blew our whistles to get some other people to come out of their apartments. Luckily most people had gone to work and only a few remained. We were in the stairwell of the 3rd floor when some of the ceiling tiles started melting over our heads. We made it outside to find the Fire Department just hooking up their first line. (It was later learned that the fire units on Mc Mechen St just 5 blocks away had responded to a false alarm pulled by a school kid).As we made it to the front of the building I was shocked to see how much the fire had spread from the time I had arrived. Steve and I were lucky. What a stupid thing we did! But it was to look for Ed.I stood in a line with many other officers from Sectors 3 and 5 and watched the building burn. It was surreal. I could only hear the Central District dispatcher doing a Sector by Sector roll call. Not once.... But twice. Both times when they called Ed's unit number.... No response. We all knew Ed was gone. Several days later the building laid in a huge pile of stone and metal. There was a hook and ladder still putting water on the rubble. There was a crane digging in the area of the elevators. They were looking for Ed. We watched this for a couple more days until the Fire Chief came into the command post and told Major Burritt that they believed they had located Ed at the base of the elevator shaft. I was still the postman and was directed to go to the excavation with the medics for the purpose of identifying the remains.The pit was filled with water and debris. Obviously the fire personnel had placed the remains on a ledge of debris. I won't provide any further description out of respect for Ed and his family, but I saw that familiar collar of a reefer. The chain was still attached and there was a partial shoulder patch on the partial coat. No doubt about it... It was Ed. What came next was totally surprising. As I sat in the command post the Fire department brought in some articles they found around Ed. Including the portion of the reefer that I had identified. In looking over the coat where our badge is located was a large melted mass. I'm sure it was Ed's badge that melted from the heat. There was a partially burned left handed gun belt. There was a small part of the holster still attached. Surprised at the articles they brought in, I was shocked to be handed a wet, tightly compressed roll of paper money. The top and bottom of the bills were scorched. I unrolled the top bill and when I laid it out, you could clearly see scorched parallel lines on the bill. Subsequently I unrolled all of the money and had later learned that it was the same amount of money Ed received when he cashed his pay check earlier on that dreadful day. Fire personnel then brought in another surprise..... a bucket of coins. They reported that the coins were found at the bottom of the pit with Ed. Deputy Battaglia was on the scene and directed me to respond to ECU with the cash and coins. After it was processed, ECU gave it back to me and directed to go to the Commissioner's Office. When I arrived Commissioner Pomerleau looked at the ECU inventory sheet and then he made a call. I heard him tell the person on the other end of the call how much had been inventoried and that he was sending an officer over to see him. He terminated the call and told me to take the money to the Union Trust Bank across from City Hall and that what ever I received from the manager, I was to immediately take it to the Rumph residence and turn it over to Sgt. Joe Richardson who was with Judy and her family. He was Ed's Sergeant. At the bank I was taken into the manager's office where he gave me two sealed envelopes. One I'm sure was a check in the amount of the inventoried money. When he gave me the other snowball he said.."This is for the family". I took the envelopes as direct. I met Sgt. Joe at the door and gave them to him. The house was packed with family and blue uniforms. I have no recollection of the drive back to the command post. For years Judy Rumph would show up at the station on holidays or special events to bring us food, desserts and her inspirational attitude to survive what life give you. She is a remarkable woman. What a terrible, terrible week. Every year on this anniversary of Ed's death I say a prayer for him and his family. I then give thanks to GOD for seeing Steve and I safely through our search that day. Over the years I have had many thoughts on this entire incident. The one thing that keeps coming to mind is that being left handed, knowing he was probably going to die, thinking of his family Ed wrapped his recent pay inside the grasp of his left hand and laid on his left side. This last assumption is supported by the fact that the portions of the gun belt and reefer were from the left side. Rest in Peace Ed.


More details

NameDescription
End of Watch 16 February, 1978
City, St. 1526 Park Avenue
Panel Number 1-E: 11
Cause of Death Knife
District Worked Central
Published in Fallen Heroes
Read more...
Friday, 01 November 2019 11:39

Patrolman William L. Ryan

Written by
Patrolman William L. Ryan

 

On this day in Baltimore Police History 1940 we lost our brother Patrolman William L. Ryan to knife wounds based on the following:

14 June 1940

Sun paper reports dated  titled,
Accused Slayer Faces Mind Test

Man Held as Attacker of Policeman Slated for Quiz Today -
Witnesses say the victim was stabbed to death without warning.  Mental examinations are expected today for Joseph Abata, 37, who was being held for investigation at the Central District police station in connection with the fatal stabbing yesterday Patrolman William L Ryan. A hearing is scheduled for 9 AM tomorrow at which the results of an autopsy, performed yesterday are expected to be disclosed, Ryan, police said, was stabbed several times with a butcher knife as he approached the accused in front of the mission house (Grace and Hope Mission) in the first block of S. Gay St. to investigate a complaint that Abata was brandishing a knife

SHOTS THIS FUGITIVE

Without a word from Abata, witnesses said, he also was stabbed in the heart. He fired two shots at the flaying man before falling mortally wounded to the ground.

NEITHER SHOT STRUCK THE ASSAILANT

Ryan was pronounced dead at the Mercy hospital. He had been on the force since March 11, 1921. He was 44 years old, his wife Margaret, a son William L Junior 4 and a daughter Patricia Margaret 18 months old survived him. Abata who was captured by several firemen and citizens, lives in the 1400 block of Gulf Street he told police that he was born in Sicily, came to this country at the age of four, served in the Army and has a wife and young child somewhere in New York.  Could Judge O’Dunne have some involvement in this case too, in yesterday’s day in Baltimore Police History 1943, Judge O’Dunne set free a suspect that Killed our Brother William Woodcock, and the news reports dated 1 October 1940 entitled - “Judge O’Dunne to Help - Speed Criminal Cases - To Devote Next Week to Hearings - Will Try Hollins Market Stall Keepers” It is reported as follows;

As there are more than 500 open cases on the criminal dockets and several important cases are scheduled for trial in the next week, Judge Eugene O'Dunne has consented to devote his time next week to hearing cases in a third Criminal Court. Immediately 134 cases were assigned for trial in the third court, Including seventy-one gambling cases. Next Tuesday, Judge O'Dunne will try a number of Hollins Market stall keepers charged with violating a city ordinance.

It is interesting to note that the report ends by naming other judges slated to help with these trials - Slated for trial in the two regular Sessions of the Criminal Court presided over by Judge Edwin T. Dickerson and George A. Solter arc Neil Grant, former deputy city solicitor, and Albert E. Schmidt, former city cashier, both charged with larceny and embezzlement, .members of the Communist party charged with perjury, and John Joseph Abata, accused of killing a policeman. 

Could it be, could the same Judge that would free a Police Killer four years later in the Woodcock case, free this killer… while the above reports make it appear as though this would be the case, the following reports say, “NO!” Judge Edwin T Dickerson, heard this case and freed this defendant, or at least it would seem as though he was freed, he was sent to Shepard Pratt, and then off to a New York Mental Institution (For the record, I did a little research on nut houses of the 40’s… which while it may sound like a category on Jeopardy, they were no game… more like horror houses. It may have been best for a police Killer to have spent the rest of his life in one of these places. After all our brother did nothing more that answer a call, a call made by concerned citizens, citizens concerned for their safety. Officer Ryan, wanted to make the streets safer, rid them of people like Abata, and he did… Adata was never able to walk the streets or harm anyone again, what follows are the final reports on this case in which it says, “Abata Acquitted in Knife Slaying”. And continues, Man Who Killed Policeman Is Declared Insane and Likely to Remain So - Described as Suffering from Delusions, Believing People Are “Out To Get Him” Reported 9 October 1940; Joseph John Abata, 38, yesterday was acquitted, by reason of insanity of the charge of fatally stabbing patrolman William L Ryan last June 13 at Baltimore and gay Street.

Judge Edwin T Dickerson who rendered the verdict, said he based his conclusion on the testimony of two mental experts who testified that in their opinion Abata was insane at the time of the crime, insane now and likely to remain insane.

TAKEN TO SPRING GROVE

Abata immediately was taken to the Spring Grove state hospital pending efforts to have the defendant placed in a mental institution in New York where Abata was a resident until shortly before the murder. Dr. Manfred S Guttmacher, medical advisor to the supreme bench, said it is customary to put mental patients in an institution in the state where they maintained residence. The stabbing occurred when patrolman Ryan, who was investigating a report of a man who was wielding a knife was attacked and stabbed several times by Abata.

DELUSION DESCRIBED

Patrolman Ryan was unable to defend himself, the attack was so sudden and violent, but he succeeded in drawing his revolver and firing to wild shots after Abata threw him to the ground. He was pronounced dead shortly afterward.

Dr. Guttmacher and Dr. Arthur a Luttrell assistant superintendent of the Shepherd Pratt Hospital, testified that Abata suffered from delusions and behavior that people were "out to get him" it was because of this delusion that he carried a knife, they said.

SERVED IN THE ARMY

Dr. Guttmacher said the defendant had served several Army enlistments and acted in an orderly manner before the stabbing, when he began to suffer from a mental disorders. He said a bot a believed himself and inventor and thought people were attempting to steal his inventions. Abata was represented by Charles C DiPaola, attorney appointed by the court.

It has been reported above but bears repeating, Our Brother William Ryan was survived by his wife, 4 year old son and 18 month old daughter. He is gone, but will never be forgotten. Killed at a time when his family was only give 1 year salary to bring up those kids, his wife was quite the hero too. God Bless him, and may he Rest in Peace.

More details

NameDescription
End of Watch 13 June, 1940
City, St. 1400 block of Gulf Street
Panel Number 12-W: 10
Cause of Death Knife
District Worked Central
Published in Fallen Heroes
Read more...
Friday, 01 November 2019 11:34

Officer Donald W. Sager

Written by
Officer Donald W. Sager

 

Officer Donald W. Sager

On this day in Baltimore City Police History 24 April 1970, we lost our brother Officer Donald W. Sager to gunfire based on the following; Officer Donald W. Sager, assigned to the Central District, was shot and killed on Friday, April 24, 1970, while working in the 1200 block of Myrtle Avenue. In Officer Sager’s car was his partner Officer Stanley Sierakowski, who was shot and seriously wounded. As Officers Sager and Sierakowski were seated in the car, the suspect shot through the back window, striking Officer Sager in the back of the head, killing him instantly. Officer Sierakowski was then shot 5 times with a .45 caliber pistol. The suspect’s sole motivation was to ambush a police officer. The suspect was a militant member of the Black Panther Party. 

sager1

Sunpaper Photo taken by Photographer Irving Phillips
25 April 1970 Captioned:  Shell Casings Found
Arrows point to three shell casings found on Myrtle Avenue 
Two police officers were ambushed about 10 o'clock last night by members of the Black Panthers

City Policeman Shot Dead; Second Wounded Officer's Body Found Beside Car
A massive search begun in West Baltimore three suspects held, one policeman was killed in the second was critically wounded last night in a shooting in the 1200 block of Myrtle Avenue in West Baltimore. Police identified the victim as Patrolmen Donald W Sager 35 who did with the city police force about 17 years patrolman Stanley Sierakowski 40 with reported in critical condition at Maryland General Hospital. Police said the shooting occurred about 10 PM. Within minutes, more than 40 other policeman and 14 marked and unmarked cars flooded the area seal it off and began an intensive house to house and rooftop search three suspects arrested. Shortly afterward, the rest of three suspects was reported. Police said they found two men hiding under some steps in the vicinity of the shooting. They were taken to central district police station. The third suspect, found in a vacant lot near the scene of the shooting, was taken to Provident Hospital, although he was not reported to be wounded. The Commissioner Donald D Pomerleau and 12 homicide detectives appeared at the scene, and that the two hospitals within a half-hour of the shooting. The police reported that the two patrolmen had been called to a home in a 1200 block of Myrtle Avenue to handle a domestic disturbance. Haven't taken care the disturbance. They returned to their car and was then that the gunman or gunmen started shooting at the policeman. Police reported that patrolman Sergio ASCII was found in a gutter between the police car and the sidewalk and patrolman Sager was inside the car. With at least three suspects in custody by midnight, police centered their search around a two-block area near the corner of shields place and motor Street, where one patrolman fought a gun duel in an alley with a suspect.

Searchlight is Used 
The fire department set the truck with a high power searchlight to illuminate the rooms of buildings in the area. At least half of the houses are vacant and the police were breaking into them to search for more suspects. The shooting match between the patrolman and the suspect happened within five minutes of the shooting on Myrtle Avenue and only about a block away. Patrolman Roger Nolan of tactical squad reported that he was driving in the area when he saw a man running along Fremont Avenue. He had of his car and chased the man into an alley where the suspect turned and fired six shots at him, patrolman Nolan returned six shots and gave Chase again, but he said he tripped over some garbage cans and lost a man. Attorney Richard Rosen, the lawyer refused to say it, the three defendants arrested in this shooting were Black Panthers. Sources close to the investigation said the panther party was not implicated in the shooting. The third suspect was arrested shortly before midnight Saturday at the main post office where he is a clerk. He was identified as Marshall E Conway, 24. Police searched his home. The 40-hour block of Argyle Avenue. They said they recovered no weapons all three defendants are charged with murder and as a result, with intent to commit murder in the death the patrolmen Donald Sager and the wounding of patrolman Stanley search Sierakowski, 42 preliminary hearing yesterday for the defendants were postponed until 3 PM today in Central Municipal Court. Mr. Rosen, the lawyer for the Black Panthers represented Jack London 25 of the 1700 block of N. Asquith St. at 1 PM session in central Municipal Court lawyer was a company by two men who identified themselves as Black Panthers. The two were not dressed in familiar paramilitary panther garb. Judge Joseph L Broccolino Junior allowed Mr. Rosen and one of the men who identified himself as William P coats of the 1100 block of Cherry Hill Rd. to remain in the hearing, which was closed to all spectators but the press. Mr. Coates said he was the closest friend. He Mr. Johnson has. After several urgent nods for Mr. Coates, the defendant accepted. Mr. Rosen as his lawyer, Mr. Rosen then volunteered. I'm not guilty. Although such a plea is not made at a preliminary hearing. Earlier in the day. The other two suspects, Mr. Conway and James Powell 33 of the 1400 block of N. Mount St. appear before Judge Broccolino any in a court session that also was cleared of all spectators but the press. Mr. Conway also is charged with assault with intent to commit murder in the running gun battle with the patrolman who had gone to investigate a shooting. Police said that shortly after the 10 PM shooting patrolman Roger Nolan traded pistol shots with a man in a nearby alley patrolman Nolan was not wounded.

Dead on Arrival
Patrolman Sager and patrolman service allow key were shot in a hail of bullets as he sat in his patrol car on a 1200 block of Myrtle Avenue, where they had gone to investigate a domestic complaint patrolman Sager had a bullet in his brain and right hand was pronounced dead on arrival at Provident Hospital. Patrolman sellers aroused. He was in the air conditioned yesterday at Maryland central hospital with four wounds to the stomach and wounds to both hands

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Officer Sager had served with the agency for 12 years. He was survived by his wife and child. Though he is no longer with us, we his brothers and sisters of the Baltimore Police Department won’t let him be forgotten. RIP Brother…
On this Day In Baltimore Police History 1970, we lost our Brother Officer Donald W. Sager to gun fire based on the following:

On 24 April 1970 Police Officer Donald W Sager assigned to the Central District, was shot and killed while working the 1200 block of Myrtle Avenue. In Officer Sager’s car with him was his partner Officer Stanley Sierakowski, Officer Sierakowski was also shot and seriously wounded.

As Officers Sager and Sierakowski were seated in their radio car, an unprovoked member of the Black Panthers (Marshall “Eddie” Conway) snuck up from the rear of their car and began shooting through the back window at them. His first rounds struck Officer Sager in the back of the head killing him instantly.

Officer Sierakowski rolled out his door in an attempt to escape the attack, and shoot the suspect… however, he too was shot. In fact, when the smoke cleared it was learned Officer Sierakowski would end up taking 5 rounds from that .45 caliber pistol. The suspect’s sole motivation was to ambush, and kill police.

During the early 70’s the heat of the 1968 riots was still brewing and was far from cooled down… African American groups like the Black Panthers were killing police at an alarming rate, often unprovoked. Either through fake calls to the police drawing officers to areas where they were set up to be ambushed, of just by following them around and waiting for them to let their guard down… stop for a bite to eat, a car stop, etc.

When an officer wasn’t looking, or least expecting it; he would be attacked. And it wasn’t just white police, the Panthers considered all police their enemy, and they would shoot a black officer as quick as they would a white officer… In fact, during that time in our history, black officers had it pretty rough, they were not excepted by the white community, and they were shunned by most of the black community.

It was a confusing time, a time when a man could be shot for no other reason that wearing a uniform, the Black Panther in question wasn’t being chased, wasn’t wanted by the officers.. had never been arrested by the partners.. they just happened to have been wearing a uniform at a time when the Black panthers wanted to shoot and kill police.

This year is more than 4o years since the suspect took the life of a Baltimore Police Officer he was set free - After being behind bars for more than 40 years, a man convicted of killing a police officer is a free man. Marshall “Eddie” Conway – a former member of the Black Panther Party – who killed a man just because he wore the uniform of a police officer. He was released from prison Tuesday. Civil rights activists say it’s a big win, but a big win for who.. the officer was sitting in his car, with his partner preparing paperwork when they were ambushed via an unprovoked assassination by no less than four members of the Black Panther Party. So while some fist bumps, and throw their fists in the air, others are upset that a cold blooded murder is walking free.

Eddie Conway was convicted of killing Baltimore City police officer Sager in 1970 but civil rights activists say he didn’t get a fair trial. For the first time in more than 40 years, Marshall “Eddie” Conway walks free. Conway was convicted of the 1970 murder of Baltimore City police officer Donald Sager. Sager and his partner were ambushed by three gunmen while responding to a domestic disturbance call in West Baltimore. Conway was a leader in the Black Panther Party, a controversial militant organization. He’s always claimed he was framed for the crime. While his conviction stands, Conway was re-sentenced to time served after he challenged whether the jury in his case was given proper instructions. But officials with the Baltimore City police union say they are troubled by Conway’s release. “It’s a difficult thing to learn after all these years that he’s not going to fulfill the sentence he was given, which was death,” the vice president of the Fraternal Order of Police told WJZ’s media partner, the Baltimore Sun. Conway’s supporters say they understand the frustration. “I can understand them saying that because they lost one of their partners. They lost one of their members,” Hill-Aston said. Officer Sager’s family has also expressed frustration over the years with the push for Conway’s release. Under an agreement, Conway will be on supervised probation for the next five years.

I can only say I am sorry to the Family of Officer Sager, and to the memory of Officer Sager... I am sorry we couldn't have done better to make sure your killer would stay in jail where he belongs. I am sorry we don't do more to promote police to the public in a way that would have them understand what it would be like without police. I think we need to do more rallies, hang more posters to make the public know of the sacrifices you, and others made.

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Panther Role Admitted

Newspaper reports of the Times; May 25, 1972; pg. D24

Murder case defended sites party orders

Jack Ivory Johnson Jr., The third Black Panther Party member to go on trial for the ambush slaying of a policeman, told police in a statement admitted into evidence in criminal court yesterday that he was sent on the killing mission on orders of the party.

“When Black Panthers are told, they are to do a job, no questions are ever asked; they just have to go and do it,” Mr. Johnson was quoted as saying by Detective Lieutenant Thomas J. McKew, of the police department’s Homicide Division.

Two other party members already have been sentenced to life in prison, plus consecutive terms in the slaying of Patrolman Donald Sager, 35, and the near fatal wounding of Sgt. Stanley Sierakowski, then Patrolman, in April 1970 [24 April 1970 - We lost our Brother Police Officer Donald W. Sager]

A Fourth Man Mentioned

For the first time since the trials began, mention was made of a fourth man by Mr. Johnson in his statement. The fourth man, Mr. Johnson statement said, carried a sawed-off shotgun, but apparently did not fire it.

Mr. Johnson of the 1700 block of N. Asquith St., told Lieut. McKew that his role in the shootings was to make sure that the policeman nearest the microphone in a departmental cruiser did not call for assistance.

Mr. Johnson declared that he merely fired two shots in the air from his 32 caliber pistol, because after he had seen all the shots fired at the officer by the other men, he “did not have the heart to just kill the pig,” the jurors and the Judge J. Harold Grady’s courtroom were told.

Testimony disclosed that patrolman Sager was killed by bullets that struck him in the head and chest and that Sgt. Sierakowski received several 45 caliber gunshot wounds from which he recovered.

The two men were sitting in a parked police car in the 1200 block of Myrtle Avenue making out a report on a domestic complaint when they were felled by a barrage of shots from behind their car.

Lieut. McKew quoted Mr. Johnson is saying at the outset of the verbal statement that, “you’re not going to get me for killing anybody because I fired my gun in the air.”

“If I had did what I was supposed to do you would never have caught me,” Mr. Johnson was further quoted as saying.

Ask what he was supposed to do, Mr. Johnson replied that, “it was his job to see that the police officer did not get to the mic,” the Lieut. testified.

The defended in his statement asserted that he and James E Powell, 35, who already has been convicted, or on the east side of the city when they received a call to come to the west side where they were notified they had a “job to do” and to make sure they had gloves and firearms.


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Baltimore Police Department
242 W. 29th St., Baltimore, MD.
Emergencies: 9-1-1  Non-emergencies: 410-396-2037
BALTIMORE POLICE Web Site: http://www.baltimorepolice.org 

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Again please contact Ret. Det. Kenny Driscoll if you have pictures of you, your family, or other members of the Baltimore Police Department and wish to see them remembered here on this tribute site. We are anxious to honor the fine men and women who have served this fine police department. Ret. Det. Kenny Driscoll can be reached at  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Like us on Facebook, or contact us for a mailing address 

Copyright © 2002 Baltimore City Police History - Ret Det Kenny Driscoll

More details

NameDescription
End of Watch 24 April, 1970
City, St. 1200 block of Myrtle Avenue
Panel Number 21-W: 3
Cause of Death Gunfire
Weapon - Handgun
District Worked Central
Published in Fallen Heroes
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Friday, 01 November 2019 11:25

Patrolman George C. Sauer

Written by
Patrolman George C. Sauer

 

Patrolman George C. Sauer

On this day in Baltimore City Police History 18 April, 1915, we lost our brother Patrolman George C. Sauer to gunfire based on the following:

SHOT DOWN BY GUNMEN

April 10, 1915

The Sun (1837 – 1987) Page 16

Shot Down by Gunmen
Policeman Sauer Badly Wounded in the Early Morning Battle
Fusillade in Highlandtown

Running Fight Started When New Yorker and Philadelphians Were Ejected From Saloon

Patrolman George C. Sauer, of the Eastern district, was shot in the stomach by gunmen yesterday morning, following a running battle between the gunmen and a gang from Highlandtown, in which more than a dozen shots were fired. Sauer was unconscious for eight hours, and when revived he was found to be too weak to allow any deposition to be taken.

Three hours after the encounter three men had been rounded up on the charge of shooting Sauer, and the confession was obtained from one that he shot Sauer.

The prisoners were:
David Bender, alias Daniel Martell, alias kid Bender, 22 years old, 344 S. 3rd St., New York.
James Miller, alias Slim, alias Harry Martin, 23 years old, 1722 N. 8th St., Philadelphia
Joseph Grose, 25 years old, 2543 Jessop St., Philadelphia.

Bender Admits Shooting
Bender and Miller were directly charged with the shooting. Grose was held as a state's witness. Bender admitted shooting the patrolman. He said he fired at Sauer, thinking he was one of the gangs from Highlandtown that were chasing them.

Within 30 minutes after Bender and Miller were arraigned on the shooting charge, they were identified by Charles M. Budd, 1314 N. Broadway, as the pair who held him up near his home early Thursday morning, as told exclusively in the son yesterday. A watch bearing the initials “C. M. B.” Led to the summoning of blood to the station. The watch was found in their room at O’Hara’s hotel, N. Liberty St. Bender readily admitted he and Miller held up Mr. Budd.

Sauer was wounded soon after he had gone on duty, at four a. M. He was in Baltimore Street and Milton Avenue when he heard shots beyond the Eastern and of Patterson Park and hail of a passing taxicab, which had just come from Highlandtown, and ordered the chauffeur to take him to the scene.

He stood on the Wanting board as the auto sped East, and Ed Decker Avenue he saw three men run to the corner.

The men fled as a taxi stopped, and soured leaped from the running board in pursuit. They turned into a small alley running east and west from Decker Avenue, and as Sauer ran after them two of the three swung around in their steps and fired. Three shots were fired.

One of the balls and struck Sauer in the stomach, but did not hold him, for he ran forward about 8 feet and seized one of the men. It was only then that he realize he had been shot and, crying for assistance, he pressed down on his prisoner and bore him to the ground, with his knee jammed on the man’s chest. The chauffeur, Larry Purcell, 204 North Pine St. ran to his aid.

Chauffeur Helps Sauer
“Oh, I’m shot! I’m shot; hold him!” Cried Sauer.

Joseph Jasckoliski, a park patrolman, ran from his home to Sauer’s side, but when he saw Purcell helping hold the prisoner he started after the fleeing pair. Then disappeared around the corner of the second alley, and Jasckoliski emptied his pistol to attract other policeman.

Detective Lawrence King, of headquarters, ran from his home nearby a moment later, and also Frank link a former wrestler, 20 North Decker Ave. Then hurried to Sauer, and the policeman was placed in Purcell’s taxi and taken to St. Joseph hospital.

A report of the shooting of Sauer was telephoned to Detective’s headquarters, thence to all the stations, and detectives Hogan and Kahler went to Highlandtown to pick up the lines of the case. They found the Eastern neighborhood for a mile around aroused by the shooting, and there were wild stories of a running gunfight in Highlandtown that preceded Sauer’s wounding and withdrew him to the scene.

This brought them to the club, a saloon at Eighth Street and Lombard Highlandtown, where they learn to the three men had been ejected from the place about 20 minutes before Sauer was shot. Descriptions were obtained, one of which tallied with the man captured by Sauer. This was Grose.

These descriptions were wired around the city to the entire force, and within two hours sergeants Wortman and Kelly and patrolman Sedicum, of the Western district, had arrested Bender and Miller in their room at the O’Hara hotel.

The pair were furious over their arrest, and expressed their regret that they hadn’t finished “the other guy,” Sauer.

They told the sergeants they were lucky the gunmen had not seen them first when they approach their room. Two loaded pistols were found under the pillows of Bender and Miller’s bed and when the two were about to be taken from the patrol to the station a black mask was found on the patrol floor, where one of the pair had dropped it.

Met Grose in City
In effect, Bender statement was that he and Miller met Grose at the Raleigh Hotel at about 8 o’clock Thursday night. Grose was in town was to show of Thurston, the magician. They spent the evening together in the city until about 1 AM when they went to “Scotty” Pugh’s saloon, 1 S. 8th St., Highlandtown.

Shortly after 3 o’clock they left pews and went to the club, next door, where an altercation arose between them and the club employees, and they were hustled into the street. Bender said a mob of nearly 20 men followed them, and a volley of bricks and bottles force hurled at them.

“Benny” Franklin, proprietor of the club, said the three went into the place sometime before 4 o’clock and order drinks.

“I’m looking for ‘Sammy’Harris,” said Bender.

“I can’t give you any drinks,” said the waiter, “you’re under age.” Bender, while heavy – set, has an extremely useful face.

“What’s that?” Cried Bender. “Do you know who I am? I ‘Kid Bender.”

“Well, you can have any drinks, the boss says,” replied the waiter.

“Well, tell your boss to bite his neck,” cried Bender. “Tell him all give him one of these pills.” “He pulled out a 38 caliber at that” said Franklin, “and shoved it under my waiter’s nose. A couple of the other men came up just then and grabbed this Bender and the others and fired them down the steps.”

Stolen Watch in Room
Bender and Miller declared to the police that they had come on from Philadelphia “to look things over on a chance.” A search of the room, where they were arrested, resulted in the finding of Mr. Budd’s watch, and later information was obtained that the two had police records. 22 cartridges were also found in the room. Bender, known to the Philadelphia police as a pickpocket, served time for highway robbery there, while Miller served time for shoplifting.

Patrolman Sauer is 55 years old. He has been on the police force since 1898 and bears an excellent reputation. He has a wife and four children – three daughters and a son.

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HOPE FOR POLICEMAN

Apr 11, 1915

The Sun (1837-1987); pg. 11

Hope for Policeman

Sauer, Shot Early Friday, Reported Holding His Own.

His Deposition Not Taken

Bender, One of The Men Held For Shooting, Was Paroled In This City And It Had Just Expired.

Patrolman George C Sauer, of the Eastern district, who was shot in the stomach by gunmen early Friday morning in the Eastern city limits, was reported yesterday to be holding his own at St. Joseph’s hospital.

Dr. Frank C Kirby, of the hospital staff, has expressed the opinion that he may be able to save his life.

One Sauer regained consciousness Friday afternoon an effort was made by Capt. Zellers, of Eastern district, to have Dr. Kirby grant permission to allow a deposition to be gotten from the wounded patrolman, and also to have Sauer identify kid Bender and slim Miller, the gunmen. The surgeon said it would be perilous.

“It would likely excite Sauer,” said Dr. Kirby.

Promises Statement Later
Dr. Kirby however promised that the Capt. that if Sauer should lose strength again and reached the point where he was doomed he would immediately notify the police that the necessary deposition and identification could be obtained

Bender and Miller were put through a strenuous grueling at the Eastern district police station late Friday night by state’s attorney Broening in a move to ascertain the real records of the two. One result was the identification of Bender as paroled prisoner from Judge Elliott’s court. The parole expired last month. The charge was larceny.

The two men showed the result of their growing and their increasing anxiety yesterday when they were taken to headquarters to be “mugged” and Bertillonized. Bender had lost something in his jauntiness. Which amazed everyone Friday.

Sends for His Father
This jauntiness apparently remained with the boy till the states attorneys siege began, and was evidenced in a telegram he sent to his mother. The message read:

“am in trouble; have popped come on as soon as possible. 2nd°. But don’t worry. Here’s a kiss.”

Pending the outcome of patrolman Sauer’s wound, Miller and Bender were arraigned before justice Smith on the charge of attacking and holding up Charles M. Budd, 1314 N. Broadway, Thursday morning, a day previous to the shooting. Budd was seized by the throat by Bender and struck in the face while the other seized his watch and chain and diamond stickpin.

Both Held on $5000 Bail
Bender admitted the charge and the magistrate held each man on $5000 bail on that count.

Both men will be kept in jail without bail on the charge of suiting patrolman Sauer a tentative hearing has come granola mortality get that been set for April 23

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PATROLMAN SAUER SINKING

Apr 12, 1915


The Sun (1837-1987); pg. 12

PATROLMAN SAUER SINKING

Police Officer Shot: By Gunman Reported Much Worse

Patrolman George C. Sauer, of the Eastern district, who was shot by gunmen following a running street fight between the gunmen and a Highlandtown gang early Friday morning, developed a

Severe vomiting spell last night and the surgeons feared that he would not live through the night an effort was made to have the two gunmen, Harry Bender and "Slim" Miller, released from jail temporarily that they might be taken before Sauer for identification, but it was found impossible to get the prisoners before this morning. Sauer passed a good night. Saturday and seemed to have gained slightly in strength during the day. Detective C. A. Kahler received a telephone message from Robert D. Cameron chief of detectives of Philadelphia, that Bender is not only wanted there for shooting a man in a poolroom brawl but that he attacked a policeman who interfered, taking from him his pistol after a stiff fight. It is believed that one of the pistols that Bender and his alleged pals used here is that taken from the Philadelphia policeman. Arthur Keller, 21 years old is the Philadelphian Bender is alleged to have shot through the mouth during the brawl in the poolroom. He is in a serious condition in a hospital.

Marshal Carter said he did not expect to deliver Bender to the Philadelphia authorities on warrants that they will bring here today for him on charging that he shot Keller and pocketed the policeman's pistol. "We have obtained a confession from Bender that it was he who fired the shot that wounded Patrolman Sauer and we will try him here as soon as the officer is able to leave the hospital and appear in court against him. It will be the same with the other two men under arrest. We will try them here unless, we find serious charges are being held against them in other cities."

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GUNMAN'S SHOT FATAL

Apr 19, 1915

The Sun (1837-1987); pg. 12

GUNMAN'S SHOT FATAL

Patrolman Sauer Dies Of Wound At St. Joseph's Hospital.

WIFE AND CHILDREN PRESENT

End Comes Suddenly and Officials

Are Too Late To Get Statement

Of'. Attack On Him April 9,

Patrolman George C. Sauer, of the Eastern district, shot by a gunman on 9 April, died last night at St. Joseph's Hospital.

His death came suddenly. A rapid turn for the worse was noticed about 8 o'clock and a hurry call was sent to the police. Captain Zellers, with Sergeant Roche and Justice Smith, hurried to the hospital to obtain Sauer's deposition, but the patrolman had become unconscious in the meantime. He died at 9.30 - Mrs. Sauer and Sauer’s four children, George V. Sauer and Misses Clara A., Regina and Helen C, Sauer, were with their father when he expired. One of the daughters collapsed and was carried from the room. Sauer had a previous sinking "spell last Tuesday and the gunmen, "Kid" Bender and "Slim" Miller, of New York City, together with the· companion of the gunmen, David Grose, New York where hurried to Sauer's bedside for identification. He refused, however to make a dying deposition", declaring stoutly and persistently that he would recover, and it was unnecessary for him to make such a statement.

Shooting was Spectacular
Sauer's shooting was one-of the most spectacular in the department's history. He had been on duty only a few minutes, when at 4:15 in the morning he heard a fusillade of shots, from the Eastern city limits. Sauer "·as then at Patterson Park avenue and Baltimore streets, and he hailed a passing taxicab, standing on the running board ordered the chauffeur, Larry Purcell, to hasten to the location of the shooting.

At Decker Avenue and Baltimore Street he found three men standing on the corner, consulting excitedly... The men darted up Decker avenue as the taxicab slowed up and Sauer leaped to the street and started his pursuit. The trio dodged into a small alley running off from Decker Avenue, and as the patrolman turned into the alley after them one stumbled. Sauer pounced on him, and a moment later one of the other pair turned and fired at the policeman. Sauer fell across the body of the fallen man, but; despite his injury, held on to him. Others were soon attracted to the spot but the fleeing pair escaped. Sauer cried for aid; saying he was shot, and he was hurried to the hospital in a Taxicab.

Two Arrested; Bender Confesses
Two hours later the two fugitives Bender and Miller were arrested in O'Hara's Hotel, North Liberty Street, by Western district officers. Bender confessed to shooting the patrolman and signed a confession to that effect. His explanation was that he, Miller, and Grose had been thrown from the Club Cafe in Highlandtown, following an argument that resulted when Bender was refused service on the ground that he was not of legal age.

A running fight with a Highlandtown gang ensued, and Bender claims he thought Sauer was one of the pursuing gang when he jumped from the taxicab. Bender and Miller will be brought from jail today to await the action of the coroner's jury, which will meet tonight at the Northeastern Police Station. They will be arraigned tomorrow on the charge of murder for no matter what the result of the inquest is, the Police will press this charge against them.

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PENSION FOR POLICEMAN'S WIDOW

Apr 30, 1915

The Sun (1837-1987);pg. 9

Pension For Patrolman’s Widow

The Police Board on Wednesday awarded a pension of $10.a week to the wife of Patrolman George C. Sauer, of the Eastern district, who was shot and killed by an out-of-town gunman on 9 April 1914, Sauer died from the wound at St. Joseph's Hospital. It was on the recommendation of Deputy Marshal Samuel W. House that the pension was Awarded for life to the patrolman's Widow.

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TWOS SLAYERS SENTENCED

Oct 8, 1915


The Sun (1837-1987);pg. 5

Two Slayers Sentenced

Men who killed patrolman Sauer confined for 18 years

Bender’s mother collapses as he and McQuaid are led away to lock up.

David Bender and James McQuaid, whose correct name is said to be Miller, charged with the murder of patrolman George C Sauer, who was shot early on the morning of 9 April 1915, were both convicted of murder in the 2nd°. They were each sentenced to 18 years in the penitentiary, the maximum penalty. The verdict was rendered and the sentences imposed by judge bond of, before whom the case was tried this week without a jury.

“For a while.” The judge said in rendering the verdict. “I was rather of the impression that this murder must be held one of 1st°. I see the difficulty on this point with the state's attorney seems to experience. There is a margin of doubt which in my opinion saves the prisoner from a verdict of murder in the 1st°, but it seems to be a very wide margin. With men of this age I’m especially relieved to find that the verdict of a lesser degree. I find each of the prisoners guilty of murder in the 2nd°.”

Harry B. Wolf, attorney for the defense, called the court’s attention to the fact that his client had been in jail six months awaiting trial.

Sent to the Penitentiary for 18 Years

“I think,” the judge replied, “this is a very sad case. Each prisoner will be sentenced to 18 years in the penitentiary.”

Instantly there was excitement in the courtroom. As Bender and McQuaid were started toward the courtroom lockup, Bender exclaimed: “I want my case taken to the court of appeals.” In reply, judge bond said he had a lawyer he could attend to that.

Bender’s parents, who were in the courtroom, added to the excitement. Mrs. Bender began to scream, and can tinued her lamination until taken outside. There she collapsed. But was revived and went away sobbing. In the lockup Bender raved and threatened, while McQuaid was,.

Bender was the only one of the two who testified. He said that Bender was his correct name. That he belonged in Brooklyn New York and that he was just 18 years old. He is a fat and chubby, with an exceptionally clear complexion and a bushy mass of black hair. McQuaid, or Miller, is about the same age as Bender, but is the opposite and appearance being a lean and lanky. Both have criminal records.

Patrolman in Pursuit one Shot

Patrolman Sauer was shot in an alley north of and parallel to Baltimore Street and East of Hare Street. He died 18 April 1915. The testimony showed that he was chasing the men, who had created a disturbance at a Highlandtown bar. When he was shot. Another man named John Grose, who was with Bender and McQuaid, stumbled and fell as they ran into the alley. The wounded patrolman fell on top of and held him until help arrived.

Bender McQuaid were arrested the same morning in a hotel on N. Liberty St.

Denies assigning confession

Bender denied that he signed a typed written confession that he fired the fatal shot. He also denied Sgt. Kelly’s testimony. He said he and his companions were chased by a gang from Highlandtown, and that he fired at them when they fired at him. Denying that he saw patrolman Sauer, he said he only shot at the men who were shooting at him. Just 24 hours before the shooting Bender and his companion held up Charles Budd on Broadway and robbed him of a scarf pin and a watch.

Grose, who had been held as a witness for the state, was released when the other two were sentenced.

deviders our fallen


We his brothers and sisters of the Baltimore Police Department will not let him be forgotten – RIP Patrolman George C. Sauer and may God Bless You - For your service "Honored" the City of Baltimore, and the Baltimore Police Department" #BPDNeverForget

More details

NameDescription
End of Watch 18, April, 1915
City, St. Decker Avenue
Panel Number 38-E: 1
Cause of Death Gunfire
Weapon - Handgun
District Worked Eastern
Published in Fallen Heroes
Read more...
Friday, 01 November 2019 11:19

Sergeant James L. Scholl

Written by
Sergeant James L. Scholl

 

On this day on Baltimore Police History 1953 we lost our brother Sgt. James L. Scholl to gunfire based on the following. Sgt. Scholl, 41 years old, was shot on July 20, 1953 in a pre-dawn gun battle at an East Baltimore Tavern at 1800 Broening Highway known as “Brown’s Bar” Sgt. Scholl was investigating a call about a suspicious automobile. Another officer was also wounded in the incident. As Sgt. Scholl and the other officer approached the vehicle, they were ambushed by gunfire and drawn into a gun fight. Roger Wylye was charged with the murder of Sgt. Scholl and the other gunman died on scene. Sgt. Scholl died of his injuries on August 1, 1953. He was married and the father of two daughters. Sgt. Scholl joined the department on June 1, 1942.  


Devider
POLICEMAN SHOT IN GUN BATTLE DIES

Aug 2, 1953

The Sun (1837-1987); pg. 34

POLICEMAN SHOT IN GUN BATTLE DIES

SEGEANT SCHOLL HAD BEEN WOUNDED BY BANDIT JUL 20

Sergeant James L. Scholl the 41year-old policeman, severely wounded in a predawn gun battle July 20 at an East Baltimore tavern died yesterday at City Hospitals. Sergeant Scholl, who walked into a dark storeroom and a fusillade of bandit's bullets but was able to empty his own pistol before he fell, died as the result of gunshot wounds in the stomach and pelvis.

One bandit was killed in the battle, another policeman was wounded and another gunman was seized without firing a shot after twelve policemen had converged on the tavern, in the 1800 blk of Broening highway, when an anonymous tipster reported a suspicious automobile near the establishment.

Three-Hour Operation

The Eastern· district sergeant, the father of two children, underwent a three-hour· intestinal operation immediately after the shooting Some 200 volunteer blood donors came to the hospital within a few hours after officials said Sergeant Scholl would need transfusions.

Despite the operations and the transfusions, the policeman remained in critical condition until he died. The gunman killed in the shooting was identified as Beauford Saunders, 20-year-old Cleveland Negro.

Shot ln Shoulder

The wounded policeman is Patrolman Thomas Alford, 25 who was shot in the shoulder. Since the shooting, the grand jury has presented Rodger Dennis Wyley, 20-year-old Negro of Fostoria, Ohio, on charges of assault with intent to murder

Sergeant Scholl and Patrolman Alford and with burglary at the Broening highway tavern. Sergeant Scholl was born in Baltimore, the son of the late Lieut. Mark R. Scholl, who died a few years ago after retiring from the Northeastern district. The sergeant attended public schools and was graduated from City College.

He was appointed to the force on June 1, 1942, and served !01 many years in the Central district on 9 August, 19S1, he was promoted to sergeant and assigned to the Eastern district. He received two commendations during his twelve years ofservice. The first was in 1943 and the second on February 23 of this year 'when Col. Beverly Ober, police commissioner, cited his work In the investigation of an assault and robbery case. Sergeant Scholl according to fellow officers, is the second man in the history of the district to die as the result of wounds sustained in action.

The first man was Patrolman

Frank L. Latham, killed 29 February, 1924, according to the bronze plaque which hangs in the stationhouse on Bank Street near Broadway. A similar plaque is to be erected to Sergeant Scholl and his badge number 118, will be set in the face of the memorial. That number will never be issued again to another Baltimore policeman. The announcement of the Sergeant's death was made at the Eastern station at the afternoon rollcall. It was received quietly by his fellow officers, who left for their assigned posts in silent contrast to the usual walking and joking that accompanies the postmen to their beats. Sergeant Scholl is survived by his wife, Margaret and two daughters, Catherine. 10, and Linda, 7. The family lived at 3536 Cliftmont avenue.

Receive Tip On car

Events leading up to Sergeant Scholl's shooting were these, After the police received the tip of a suspicious auto near the tavern. Two police answered the call and were soon joined by Sergeant Scholl and another officer. The police found that a window on one side of the building had been jimmied and Sergeant Scholl crawled through it. Using flasblights, Sergeant Scholl, Patrolman Alford and the other policemen made their way down a narrow, dark hall to the storeroom in the rear of the tavern. Sergeant Scholl entered the storeroom and immediately faced a round of gunfire from someone inside.

The policemen returned the fire. It was all over in a few seconds. Scholl and Alford were wounded and the one gunman, Saunders, died on the way to the hospital. After the shooting, Capt. August K. Gribbin, commander of the Eastern commended all the men who took part in the case and said the incident was an example of "splendid teamwork."

Funeral Services

Funeral services for Sergeant Scholl will be held at 8 AM Wednesday at a funeral establishment in the 5300 block of Harford road. A requiem high mass will be held at 9 A.M. at the Shrine of The Little Flower, Belair road and Brendan Avenue. Fellow officers will be pallbearers and will form a guard of honor at the funeral. The sergeant will be buried in Holy Redeemer Cemetery. Captain Gribbin said he was deeply grieved by the death of Sergeant Scholl. "I'm sure his memory will linger long as a man of outstanding courage and bravery, "The Captain Said, "The Eastern district and the department as a whole has lost a real policeman and one of great promise. He was very popular throughout thewhole department and deserved to be for the many fine traits he possessed." We his brothers and sisters of the Baltimore Police Department will not let him be forgotten. His service "Honored" the City of Baltimore and the Police Department - God Bless and Rest in Peace our brother Sgt. James L. Scholl

We his brothers and sisters of the Baltimore Police Department will not let him be forgotten. His service "Honored" the City of Baltimore and the Police Department - God Bless and Rest in Peace our brother Sgt. James L. Scholl

More details

NameDescription
End of Watch 1 August, 1953
City, St. 1800 Broening Highway
Panel Number 62-E: 13
Cause of Death Gunfire
District Worked Eastern
Published in Fallen Heroes
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Friday, 01 November 2019 11:17

Patrolman Webster Schuman

Written by
Patrolman Webster Schuman

 

WEBSTER E SCHUMANN
59-E: 9
End of Watch: June 29, 1926
Baltimore City, Maryland, P.D.


Pistol Battle Due To Lack of Facilities For Insane, Longan’s View.

Vanie Lee, Discharged from Bay View, Killed By Police.

Failure of the State of Maryland to provide adequate quarters and facilities for the care of mentally deficient persons in Baltimore was responsible for the pistol battle in the Northwestern District yesterday, in which nine persons, including a police clerk and four patrolman, were shot, Col. Rufus E. Longan superintendent of the Baltimore City Hospitals, said yesterday… 

In a running pistol fight Mr. Lee, who once was an inmate of an insane ward in Baltimore City Hospitals, was shot to death by police after he had been driven from behind parked automobiles. Thomas Dillon, a Police Clerk at the Northwestern Police Station, who, although unarmed, was one of the first to close in on Mr. Lee, is in critical condition at the Colonial Hospital. Physicians, who performed an operation, said the bullet entered his chest and lodged in the spinal column. Paralyzed from the waist down, he had little chance of recovery.

It was said… Charles D. Gaither, Police Commissioner, commended highly the courage and activity of the police at the scene, and particularly praised the efforts of those who were shot. “The patrolmen did everything possible under the circumstances,” Gaither said. “It especially unfortunate that Mr. Dillon was shot, since he was unprepared for such action. Mr. Dillon volunteered when the call for reserves went out, even though the work called for was not in direct line of duty for him.” 

Others shot are: 

Patrolman Webster Schuman, Northwestern District. Shot in the mouth; condition serious; at the University Hospital.
Patrolman Ignatius Benesch, Northwestern District. Shot in the right hip; skull probably fractured by blow struck by Lee with empty pistol during hand to hand combat; at Colonial Hospital.
Police Chauffeur Leroy E. Lentz, Western District. Shot in the ankle; at University Hospital.
Patrolman Howard L. Collins, Northwestern District. Shot in the right hand; at Colonial Hospital.
William H. Kammerer, druggist, Lafayette and Fremont avenues, shot in the right leg.
Arthur Redding, 34 years old, shot in the neck; condition serious; at Colonial Hospital.
Calvin Howard, 16 years old, shot in the hand; treated at the University Hospital.
Mildred Duncan, 11 years old. Shot in the abdomen; condition serious; at the Colonial Hospital. 

Lee, according to witnesses, first ran amuck in a lunchroom not far from Argyle and Lafayette Avenues, where most of the shooting occurred. After quarreling with Arthur Redding, proprietor, he ran out on the sidewalk. Redding followed and struck Lee, witnesses said. Lee then drew a pistol and shot his assailant in the neck. After this he went home, 635 West Lafayette Avenue, and soon reappeared armed with a rifle and another pistol. Sitting on the steps in front of his home, with the rifle across his knees and his pistols nearby, Lee calmly smoked a cigar, witnesses declared. Meantime, residents had notified Rex Moore, telephone operator at the Northwestern Police Station, that a crazy man had shot another and was terrorizing the neighborhood. The police of the Western district were asked to send the patrol, while Police Clerk Dillon, Patrolman Schuman and Patrolman Collins set out for the scene of the shooting in a Police Department automobile. First on the scene, Patrolman Schuman jumped from the automobile and found cover in the doorway of a grocery store, as bullets from Lee’s weapons struck the glass front of the store. A bullet from Lee’s rifle penetrated two large plate glass windows and wounded Patrolman Schuman in the mouth. The policeman later was rescued by other patrolmen and sent to the hospital. As Police Clerk Dillon ran to Patrolman Schuman’s side he was shot in the chest. Lee was eventually shot and killed by responding patrolmen. Both Police Clerk Dillon and Patrolman Schuman succumbed to their injuries.

We his brothers and sisters of the Baltimore Police Department will not let him be forgotten. God Bless, and rest in Peace. His service "Honored" the City of Baltimore and the Police Department - RIP Officer Murphy.

More details

NameDescription
End of Watch 29 June, 1926
City, St. Baltimore, Md
Panel Number 59-E: 9
Cause of Death Gunfire
Weapon - Rifle
District Worked Northwestern
Published in Fallen Heroes
Read more...
Friday, 01 November 2019 11:14

Officer Richard D. Seebo

Written by
Officer Richard D. Seebo

 

Police Officer Richard D. Seeb

Baltimore City Police Department EOW:
Saturday, May 26, 1962 Cause: Gunfire

Officer Seebo stopped a vehicle in the 300 Block of E. 20th Street for traffic violations. As he pulled his motorcycle to the rear of the vehicle, the driver put his car in reverse and backed into the officer, throwing him to the ground. Officer Seebo went to the driver’s side window to confront the motorist. When he confronted the driver, the driver withdrew a pistol and shot him in the chest. Officer Seebo fell to the ground and the assailant shot him again in the back as he stood over top of him. Officer Seebo was married and the father of two children. The occupants of the car, Henry Ben Huff, 18, and Wallace Creighton were charged with the murder of the officer. The suspect was later arrested in South Carolina. Officer Seebo served in the U.S. Navy from August 15, 1955 to August 23, 1957.

On this day in Baltimore Police History 1962 we lost our brother Police Officer Richard D. Seebo to gunfire based on the following new reports:

Baltimore city police last night (26 May 1962) arrested one of two suspects wanted for questioning in the Saturday night slaying of Patrolman Richard B. Seebo. Only fifteen minutes before, a national alarm for the two had been sent out. The youth picked up for questioning is an l8 year old construction worker who lives in the 800 block Guilford Avenue. He was taken to the Northern District Police Station. The first definite lead in the case came after police questioned four women and two men from mid-afternoon yesterday, until just after 9 O’clock last night. These six who lived in, the 300 block East Twentieth Street, the scene of the shooting gave the officers the names of the two suspects that shot Officer Richard Seebo. 

Man Kept in Custody

One of the men questioned yesterday afternoon was kept in custody apparently for additional questioning. As described in the alarm, which went out at 9.15 P.M., both of the suspects are Negro, and one was said to be about 35 and the other 19 or 20. The older man was further described his being brown skinned with a thin build, wooly hair and visibly decayed teeth. The youth was described as being about 6 feet tall, weighing about 175 pounds with dark complexion, rough skin, small goatee and straightened hair.

Officer's Pistol Missing  

The youth arrested after the alarm went out was said to answer the description of the younger suspect given in the alarm. The national alarm stated that the wanted pair might be riding in a 1953 or 1954 four door Pontiac Sedan with white top, gray body and an outside sun shield. The two were believed to have a .32·caliber pistol in their possession and possibly Patrolman Seebo's .38·caliber revolver, which was missing. The information provided in the alarm was at variance with that which police had previously received.

It was first reported that the getaway car was a white-and-green 1955 Pontiac with a man and woman in it. May have used Officer's Gun it is suspected that Patrolman Seebo was slain with his own gun. Dr. Rudiger Breitnecker, assistant medical examiner, said the Patrolman had been shot one time-in the right lung and heart by what appeared to have been a .38 caliber gun. Reports varied on how many shots were fired by one of the men in the car.

Baltimore police, beginning at 9 A.M. yesterday, started a house-by-house, floor-by-floor check for witnesses in the neighborhood surrounding the 300 block East Twentieth street, where the 27·year-old motorcycle officer was gunned down. 

Several Persons were Questione

Immediately after the shooting, which occurred shortly after 10 P.M. Saturday, but all were released later. Of the several others questioned yesterday, only one who was picked up at 3.10 P.M. remained in custody. The fullest account of what happened was given to police by Frank Tunstall, 18, of the 400 block East Twentieth. The youth approached Patrolmen John Smith and Harry Bailey who were cruising in the 1900 block Greenmount Avenue, and told them a policeman had just been shot in the 300 block of east Twentieth. The patrolmen found the wounded officer lying on the sidewalk in front of 329 East Twentieth Street. Semi-conscious, Patrolman Seebo was lying on his side, his knees drawn up to his chest and clutched in his arms. 

Tried to Render Aid

Patrolmen Smith and Bailey turned him over and tried to render aid, and then called for more assistance. Patrolman Seebo's pencil was in his right hand, and his traffic book was lying under his right leg. His helmet was off and lying to the left of him, and his motorcycle was lying on its side two doors away at 33l East Twentieth. Young Tunstall told police he saw a car coming north on Barclay street, making a left turn into East Twentieth, its tires screeching during the turn. The mounted patrolman was right behind the car. In front or 329 East Twentieth, the car stopped and the officer pulled up to the right rear bumper. Car Backs Up the car then backed up and knocked the patrolman off his motorcycle, young Tunstall reported. Patrolman Seebo got up, walked over to the car, got the driver out of the car and started talking to him. The driver then got back into his car and started cursing. Ordered out of the car again, the man started to do so, and then a shot was fired, the witness said Patrolman Seebo then tried to pull his gun but the other man apparently took the gun away from him and fired another shot, young Tunstall said. The man then drove west to Guilford Avenue, south to North Avenue, and then cast on North Avenue, when young Tunstall lost sight of the car and went to call police, Patrolman Seebo died either on the scene or on the way to Union Memorial Hospital. He was dead on arrival at the hospital at 10.20 P.M. The patrolman, who lived in Pasadena leaves a wife, Patricia, and two daughters. Patricia Louise, 3, and Phyllis Ann, 8 months. Patrolman Seebo was the second City policeman to be shot to death in less than two months. Patrolman Harry Smith, Jr., was killed April 7, apparently while trying to break up a dice game in the 700 block West Lexington Street. Murder charges have been placed in that case.

While he is no longer with us, we his brothers and sisters of the Baltimore Police Department will not let him be forgotten. RIP Brother

 

More details

NameDescription
End of Watch 26 May, 1962
City, St. 300 Blk E. 20th Street
Panel Number 8-E: 5
Cause of Death Gunfire
District Worked Motors
Published in Fallen Heroes
Read more...
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