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Police Officer Jacob Zapp

Friday, 01 November 2019 08:35
Police Officer Jacob Zapp

Police Officer Jacob Zapp Baltimore City Police Department EOW:  Wednesday, July 15, 1891 Cause: Struck by train

On this day in Baltimore City Police History 1891, we lost our brother Police  Officer Jacob Zapp of the Southern District when he was struck a Baltimore and Ohio locomotive on Ostend Street near China Street in South Baltimore killing him instantly, . The officer was walking near the track during a thunderstorm and stepped across the rails to avoid a puddle of water.   Locomotive 634 was backing down the track. The rush of rain and the thunder prevented the patrolman from hearing the locomotive, and as his head was bowed to avoid the downpour he did not see it approaching until the locomotive was close to him. Then he raised his hand instinctively as if to stop the locomotive.   That was the last of him. Witnesses of the accident ran to the spot where it had occurred and were horrified at what they saw. The body had been so mangled that the remains were gathered together, could all be put in a two-foot soapbox and a cigar box. Patrolman Zapp was fifty-seven years of age and had been on the force since August 27, 1872.

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 Zapp.

More details

NameDescription
End of Watch 15 July, 1891
City, St. Ostend Street near China St
Panel Number 18-W: 8
Cause of Death Auto Accident
District Worked Southern
 
 
 
 
Published in Fallen Heroes

Officer Robert Alexander

Friday, 01 November 2019 08:15
Officer Robert Alexander

 Officer Robert Alexander

CLICK HERE FOR AUDIO

On this day in Baltimore City Police History 1986, we lost our brother Police Officer Robert Alexander based on the following. During the early morning hours of September 20, 1986, a citizen was traveling home from work; when he stopped for a red light at Frederick and Boswell Avenues, his 1978 Dodge was rear-ended by a pick-up truck. They flagged down a motorist who offered help, and went to call police to the scene. Officer Robert Alexander of the Southwest District received that call, and responded to help. On arrival he activated his overhead lights to provide a margin of safety for other motorist. These lights would hopefully alert others to the accident at that location. Officer Alexander got out of his car, and began to interview the drivers of both vehicles. Suddenly, a 1985 Nissan pickup truck came around the curve, speeding and out of control he was headed right toward the group. Officer Alexander concerned for the safety of everyone, pushed the citizens into a wooded area, and out of the path of the oncoming truck. His actions were credited with having saved their lives, by sacrificing his own. The truck crossed over the center-line, hitting Officer Alexander's police car and then striking him. The truck overturned and struck the other vehicles involved in the original accident. The two drivers rushed to the aid of Officer Alexander, who just moments before had saved their lives. Another citizen traveling down Frederick Avenue saw the accident scene and ran to the patrol car to use the fallen officers radio to summon help. An off-duty officer, John W. Parrott, was driving by witnessed the accident, stopped and used Officer Alexander’s radio to better notify the dispatcher of the events that had just taken place. Paramedics were already in route to care for the citizens involved in the initial accident, and were there within seconds. Officer Alexander’s injuries were so severe that he died at the scene. The suspect/driver of the truck was arrested on scene and charged with DWI, and vehicular manslaughter as well as a host of other charges. Officer Alexander was 22 years old, served as a Cadet, graduated in class 85-3, and had 9 months on the street.

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Posthumous award is given to mother of heroic police officer

Deborah I Greene - The Sun (1837-1989); Apr 13, 1987; pg. 12D

Posthumous award is given to mother of heroic police officer

By Deborah I. Greene

Barbara Harris had just a few, quiet words to say as she accepted a posthumous award for her son, Baltimore policeman Robert Alexander, who was struck and killed by a pickup truck In September after pushing two men to safety. "Nothing has to be said. His action speaks for itself," she whispered to those nearest her Saturday evening, then clutched the plaque, the highest honor bestowed by the Vanguard Justice Society, a fraternity of black city police officers. The award was presented to Ms. Hanis by the widow of Detective Marcellus Ward Jr,, for whom it Is named. Detective Ward was shot to death In 1984 during an undercover narcotics operation, "We try to [honor] a police officer who has done outstanding work and put his life In jeopardy to save others. That's what Robert Alexander did he made the supreme sacrifice," said Officer Rick Palmer, who helped coordinate the group's annual awards banquet. And "outstanding" was how the crowd of about 100 officers. their families and friends, remembered Officer Alexander during the society's gathering at the Palladium. "He was outstanding. his whole heart went Into being a policeman," said Lt. Alvin A. Winkler, who taught Officer Alexander during his training at the police academy. Those close to 22-year-old Officer Alexander remembered him saying, often, that he would risk his life to help others without a second thought. In September, he did. While lntervlewlng the drivers of two cars Involved In a minor accident In the Irvington area, he saw a pickup truck speeding toward them.

He pushed the other men to the side of the road, to safety, but the young officer - father of a 2-year-old daughter, a policeman just three months - was unable to save himself. The driver of the pickup truck, Carl E. Carpenter. 27, was sentenced to five years In prison on charges stemming from the Incident.

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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 Baltimore Police Department may he rest in peace, and may God bless him.

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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 mail pics to us at 8138 Dundalk Ave. Baltimore Md. 21222 

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

More details

NameDescription
End of Watch September 20, 1986
City, St. Frederick & Boswell Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21229
Panel Number 1-W: 12
Cause of Death Auto Accident
District Worked Southwestern
Published in Fallen Heroes

Badge Collection

Sunday, 20 October 2019 08:22
Badge Collection

Baltimore City Police Badges

Baltimore Police Badges

The Official Motto of the Department

Established on November 9, 1880
"Semper Paratus, Semper Fideles, Ever on the Watch"
"EVER READY - EVER FAITHFUL"
"EVER ON THE WATCH"

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Our Collection
Through Donations and Purchases at Discounted Prices
The Following is Our Personal Collection to be seen here and at our Museum

71 1

3rd. ISSUE
June 22, 1862, a newly formed Police force appeared in a completely new uniform with a new series of badges. With the same center section of the first badge, and  returning the designation of "City Police" surrounded by twenty small points encircled by a narrow rim.  NOTE: The 20 pointer was replaced by an order from the Commissioner. he said, "too many were in the hands of the citizens."  (Stated in an article in the paper from 1890.) This badge had meaning, as in Baltimore from 1846 o 1887 we had 20 Wards a point for every Ward, and a thin band around to represent the police that protect and hold it all together.

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Below are our Women in police Badges
Three Badges from our Woman Police Officers

19 June, 1912 - The first Women Officer was hired under the title of Policewomen was Mary S. Harvey, EOD of June 19, 1912 her hiring was followed by that of Margaret B. Eagleston July 22, 1912 (interesting side note on March 28, 1925 the Baltimore Sun reports - Two female members of department given first lesson in pistol shooting. They were Miss Margaret B. Eagleston and Mrs. Mary J. Bruff - A few days later Mrs. Mary Harvey, Miss Eva Aldridge and Ms. Mildred Campbell were also trained. So basically the first two woman officers hired by the BPD weren't trained in firearms until they had been on the force for 13 years!)  - 11 June 1973 - The Civil Service Commission authorized the single classification of "Police Officer" to replace the dual designation "Policeman/Patrolman" and "Policewoman/Patrolwoman". This reclassification was a continuation of the department's efforts in the area of equal employment opportunity. (Female "Police Officers" now had the same prerogatives and responsibilities as their male counterparts. Now only one competitive test for promotions is necessary. Thus, a single career ladder was established for all sworn members.) The first female officer came in


72Police Woman 5

 Officer as written above our first female officers came in 1912

17 October, 1914 - The first female officer shot in the line of duty was Policewoman Elizabeth Faber. As she and her partner, Patrolman George W. Popp were attempting to arrest a pick pocket on the Edmondson Avenue Bridge they were both shot. The above Badge was made between 1936 and 1973 (An interesting side note, the first woman police hired by the Baltimore Police department were hired two years earlier in June and July of 1912, and none of the women hired received firearms training until 1925) - In May of 1969, we have our first father/daughter on police department. Officer James F. Stevens and Police woman Patricia A. Loveless.  

4th. ISSUE

These badges were based on the 4th Issue Badge, based on the design and era I would say these were made in the later years closer to 1973 date in which Policemen, and Police Women, was dropped and Police Officer was begun. Still the initial design came about on 7 May, 1890, worn with a new uniform by all members of the force. This is a shield-shaped badge with the word "POLICE" across the top, Maryland seal in the center and a ribbon with the officers number across the bottom. Sergeant's and above had an eagle on top of the shield. Lieutenants and above wore a badge gold in color. The eagle on the badges had a ribbon in its beak denoting the rank of the officer.

 

72 PO Woman Sgt 2

1937 - For the first time in the history of the Baltimore Police Department, women have been advanced to the rank of Sergeant - Mrs. Bessie C. Cronin, along with Ms. Mae E. Lillie, Ms. Clara Lynch and Ms. Margaret Ryan. were all promoted, The women, four in number, joined the force during, or immediately after the first world war, when there was a shortage of men, and functioned for a time as telephone and signal operators. Under terms of a bill signed Friday (28 may 1937) by Governor Nice, they will hereafter enjoy the rank, and the pay, which is $46.50 a week as against their previous $40 a week. Made between 1936 and 1973

Reference for the question had been raised WWI or WWII
28 July 1914 â€“ 11 November 1918 
1 September 1939 â€“ 2 September 1945

72LT Police Woman

 
24 October 1978 - Long after the designation of the Policeman and police Women Baltimore Police promotes the first woman Police Major, Lt. Patricia Mullen, elevated two grades as she became Major Patricia Mullen. Promoted from Lieutenant of the Homicide Unit, Major Mullen she skipped the rank of Captain and was put in charge of Youth Section. This badge was made between 1936 and 1973

 72IMG 1543
72bestIMG 1569

Badge Made between 1936 and 1976 

72Deputy Commissioner

 Badge Made between 1936 and 1976

72lt cOL I

 Badge Made between 1936 and 1976

72Major

 Badge Made between 1936 and 1976

72bestIMG 1571

 Badge Made between 1936 and 1976

72 Capt Det

Badge Made between 1936 and 1976

72LT det 2

Badge Made between 1936 and 1976 

72 det sgt 2

 Badge Made between 1936 and 1976

72BCPD Lineman 5

72BPD 2 Laborer

72BPD Machinist 8

72BPD Machinist 17

72BPD Maintenance 8

 72BPD Chauffeur 37i

72C18 hat device

72C 18 badge

Chauffeur Badge Made between 1936 and 1976

72Asst Eng badge

Asst. Engineer Badge made between 1890 and 1936 

72Physn 2 badge

 Physician Badge Made Between 1890 and 1936

72hd3IMG 1533

72best2IMG 1570

72physician retired mini

72Mini Officer Badge

civil defense badge 

This is an Obsolete Civil Defense Patrolman Badge for the City of Baltimore. The badge is stamped metal with an Eagle over a shield. The center of the shield has an enameled roundel with the Civil Defense emblem on a blue background. Around this is Patrolman and Baltimore. "BASTIAN BROS/CO/ROCHESTER NY". These badges were intended for police personnel acting under Civil Defense authority in an emergency situation and are a neat Cold War memento.  

172Explosives Front

172Highway det forman

172Inspector 13

72 470IMG 1552

72476bvestIMG 1554

72478IMG 1560

72482IMG 1551

 72

72bestIMG 1564

72bestIMG 1544

72bestIMG 1541

72bestIMG 1545

72bestIMG 1575
1997 Bicentennial Badge

72IMG 1547

72IMG 1542

72IMG 1538

72IMG 1546

72bestIMG 1540 

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Detective Badge number 38

 1920 park police
Courtesy Patrica Driscoll


The city’s Park Commission was first granted the right to preserve peace in parkland by the city charter of 1862 the purpose of the power was to police of the new Druid Hill Park, which at the time was wholly beyond the city limits and thus beyond the authority of Baltimore City's Police. The design in the leafs of the hat device would indicate they are from sometime between 1880 and 1896, after these came a more detailed wreath that went from 1896 until 1915. The Badge with the individual soldered number is also from an older time period. That said the Buttons, and Employee Badges are newer sometime between the 1920s until the 1960's - These were purchased by my wife Patty for this collection, and for the public and police to view. It was purchased at a reduced price from Officer Chris Szakolczai

 

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NOTE
sharp badge block under arm

Above it the 4th Issue badge if you look at the badge you'll see in badge #1 the fisherman's side you'll see he is leaning cleanly against the escutcheon, where in the #2 badge the fisherman appears to be leaning on some sort of box or added ledge This dates the badge, any badge that falls into the group looking like badge #1 was made between 1890 and 1936. - Badge number falls between 1936 and 1976, when they came out with the 5th Issue badge. The ledge was made in 1936 after the mold cracked, and the ledge was added when they made repairs to the mold

Badges made from  1890-1936 and 1936-1940's. The 1890's have a difference in the die, after 1936, there was die change which is quite minute. On the first die, Badge #1 the figure on the right (The Fisherman) of the coat of arms has his elbow resting cleanly on the top corner point of the escutcheon, whereas on the second die Badge #2, everything is the same with the exception of the fisherman's elbow which appears to be leaning on some sort of box, or added ledge below supporting his arm. That ledge/box was added due to a die or mold break/fracture that occurred in 1936. Also on the upper ranking badges, Sgt on up there was an eagle atop the badge, with a ribbon in his bill that revealed his rank. From 1890-1940's, that eagle was applied separately, after the 1840's the badges have a flatter less detailed eagle.   

*Information provided by Police memorabilia collector Steven Rosenstock

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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.

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

 

 

Published in MV

Officer Anthony A Byrd

Tuesday, 08 October 2019 22:38
Officer Anthony A Byrd

Officer Anthony A. Byrd

CLICK HERE FOR AUDIO

On this day in Baltimore Police History 19 May 2006 we lost our brother Police Officer Anthony A. Byrd, Officer Anthony A. Byrd died yesterday morning after his patrol car collided with one driven by Officer Raymond E. Cook Jr., who was listed in serious condition at Maryland Shock Trauma Center immediately after the accident. Earlier in the week, Anne Arundel County officers shot and killed 18-year-old Justin James Fisher after, police say, he charged at them wielding a 9-inch pair of scissors. These two events are seemingly unrelated. One happened in Baltimore and was an accident. The other occurred in a county just south of Baltimore that, in some ways, is light-years removed from what's happening on the city's streets. But the incidents highlight, once again -- and we all need reminding of this from time to time -- that a cop's job ain't like ours. You and I go to work each day, more or less assuming that when our shift ends, we'll go home. Once we arrive home, we might be greeted by loving spouses or children. We might have some dinner, watch the tube, perhaps surf the Internet. Those who work in law enforcement -- as well as firefighters and corrections officers -- probably do the same things. But they do them with a difference. We assume we're going home. They can't make the same assumption. That's why, in spite of all the second-guessing going on about Fisher's shooting, none of us can say for certain how we'd have reacted if we were the officers on the scene. And that's why we need to take a moment and reflect on the contributions to Baltimore of men like Byrd and Cook, who both worked in the Southwestern District, which has received more than its share of bad publicity and tragedy in the past two years. It was in January that residents of the Baltimore metropolitan area learned of the alleged misconduct and abuses of the Southwestern District "flex squad," a unit that focuses on drug dealing, violent crime and nuisance crimes. Officer Jemini Jones has been charged with coercing two women into having sex with him in exchange for his not charging them with a crime. Other accusations against Jones and his fellow Southwestern District flex squad members -- who have since been replaced -- include drug possession, illegal gambling, planting drugs on suspects, stealing cell phones from suspects and dropping off a suspected gang member in rival gang territory. That suspect was beaten by gang members and returned later and shot somebody in retaliation, according to a Sun report. Before Byrd, the last officer to die in Baltimore was Brian D. Winder, who was fatally shot in July of 2004. Winder also worked in the Southwestern District. Attorneys for the flex squad officers say they're all innocent. That remains to be seen. But with the charges against them, and with what happened to Winder and now Byrd and Cook, the more superstitious among us might wonder if the Southwestern District is cursed. The more rational among us will scoff at such a notion, but few would disagree that all the bad press the flex squad has received these past few months has overshadowed the work of the scores of good officers in the Southwestern District. Winder was such an officer. So was Byrd and so is Cook. Byrd was an 11-year veteran of the force. In late 1999, with only four years' experience, he was already good enough to be a training officer in the Southwestern District. That same year, Sun police reporter Peter Hermann -- now an assistant city editor -- did an article about Byrd training a rookie police officer named Bryan Ruth. One part of Hermann's article is eerily prescient, considering how Byrd met his end. For officers, coming back home is not a sure thing - archives On the second day of training, Byrd let Ruth drive the patrol car. According to Hermann's article, Ruth ran a stop sign, nearly colliding with another police cruiser.

Byrd was returning to the Southwestern District yesterday morning when the collision occurred. Cook was answering a call for back-up and was coming from district headquarters. Hermann's article is a compelling, well-written tale that illustrates just how dangerous being a cop in a city like Baltimore. No one knows that better than Cook, who survived what might have been at least his third close call in the accident. According to Sun reporter Gus Sentementes, Cook arrested three armed-robbery suspects in 1997. In a separate incident, Cook fatally shot a man who had shot a woman and then fired at the officer after a high-speed chase. Cook was decorated twice by the department for his work. Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley has urged us to pray for the families of Byrd and Cook. And well we should. Our prayers and condolences should go out to Byrd's family. Our prayers and hopes for a speedy recovery should go out to Cook's. While we're at it, we can offer up another prayer: For the entire city. One of our best officers has just gone down.

Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction or distribution is prohibited without permission. Abstract [Anthony A. Byrd] was an 11-year veteran of the force. In late 1999, with only four years experience, he was already good enough to be a training officer in the Southwestern District. That same year, Sun police reporter Peter Hermann -- now an assistant city editor -- did an article about Byrd training a rookie police officer named Bryan Ruth. One part of Hermann's article is eerily prescient, considering how Byrd met his end. No one knows that better than [Raymond E. Cook Jr.], who survived what might have been at least his third close call in the accident. According to Sun reporter Gus Sentementes, Cook arrested three armed-robbery suspects in 1997. In a separate incident, Cook fatally shot a man who had shot a woman and then fired at the officer after a high-speed chase. Cook was decorated twice by the department for his work. Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley has urged us to pray for the families of Byrd and Cook. And well we should. Our prayers and condolences should go out to Byrd's family. Our prayers and hopes for a speedy recovery should go out to Cook's. While we're at it, we can offer up another prayer: Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction or distribution is prohibited without permission. For officers, coming back home is not a sure thing

Age: 31 Tour of Duty: 11 years Cause of Death: Automobile accident Date of Incident: Friday, May 19, 2006

Officer Anthony Byrd was killed in an automobile accident near the intersection of Parksley and Stafford Street. He was returning to the station house when his patrol car was struck by another patrol car that was responding to backup an officer at a domestic disturbance call. Officer Byrd was transported to St. Agnes Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. Officer Byrd had served with the Baltimore Police Department for 11 years and was assigned to the Southwestern District. He is survived by his wife and two young daughters.

More details

NameDescription
End of Watch 19 May, 2006
City, St. intersection of Parksley and Stafford Street
Panel Number 45-E: 25
Cause of Death Auto Accident
District Worked Southwestern

 

 

Published in Fallen Heroes

Patrolman Michael J. Burns

Tuesday, 08 October 2019 22:30
Patrolman Michael J. Burns

 

22 January 1917 - Patrolman MICHAEL J. BURNS - patrolman Michael J Burns of the bicycle squad was killed almost instantly about 7 o'clock last night when he attempted to relate and electric lamp in front of 4012 Park Heights Ave. He was pronounced dead by Dr. James S Akehurst, who lives at 4012 Parklake Ave. and who reached the side of the patrolman's body a few minutes after he was electrocuted. Shortly after the current was turned on the lamp began to sputter and several the residents of the neighborhood complained of the flashing. Patrolman Burns came along on his bicycle on his way to the little station at Parklake Avenue and Reisterstown Road. His attention was called to the lamp by a passerby and he stated that he could make the light come on again to its normal power by tapping on the chain that leads from the paid about 6 feet up the pole to the lamp itself. (*6)

More details

NameDescription
End of Watch 22 January 1917
City, St. 4012 Parklake Ave.
Panel Number N/A
Cause of Death Electrocution
District Worked Northeastern
 

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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.

deviders our fallen

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.

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

 

 

  
   
   
   
   
   
Published in Fallen Heroes

Police Officer John P Burns

Tuesday, 08 October 2019 22:07
Police Officer John P Burns

On this day in Baltimore Police History 7 January 1931, we lost our brother Police Officer John P Burns to gunfire based on the following:


Patrolman John P. Burns, and Sergeant Alfred Plitt were patrolling in the area of St. Mary’s Street when Molly Aims ask for their protection from her live-in boyfriend, Willie Smith, who she said had been beating her all day in the house they lived in at 382 St. Mary St. - Officer Burns was quick to lead the way; followed by Sgt. Plitt, they entered the house; Smith was nowhere to be found, as they began to look around the first floor. Their eyes still adjusting from coming in out of the bright light; into the darker house, the suspect, Willie Smith quickly descended a set of stairs from the second floor; he was holding a revolver in each hand, and it wouldn't be long before he began firing from both of them. Smith’s eyes were adjusted perfectly to the limited light in the house giving him the upper hand. He waited on the stairs until the officers reached a point that he would have them off guard, and gave him the best advantage. Firing simultaneously from both guns, Smith began firing on the officers; Officer Burns was closest to Smith, and therefore he was first to be hit. Taking one or two rounds to the upper torso, and a round near his heart put him immediately on the floor. Following the gun battle with the on the officers, a short hand-to-hand fight breaks out between Smith and Sgt. Plitt. Plitt was buffaloed across the back of his head with one of the heavy revolvers, and knocked to the floor. Sgt. Plitt, knew he had to continue fighting, his partner was shot, and possibly dead, the suspect was still standing, and this was not how Plitt would have things end. So as Plitt, makes it back to his feet, Smith was headed out the door, and begins to exit the house. Plitt fired on Smith until he emptied his pistol as Smith went out the door, and began to run up the street. We don’t know if he hit, or missed, but we do know Smith was slowed down. As smith made his way up the street, he could only go a few houses when he decided to barricade himself under a neighbor’s rear steps. 547 Orchard St., before leaving 382 St Mary St. Smith grabbed Officer Burn’s service revolver, but for some reason he sat it on top the steps he was hiding under on Orchard St. 

Barricaded under the steps with 2 of 3 weapons, Mr. Edward T. McIntyre, a civilian employed by the Baltimore Gas & Electric Co., picked up Sgt. Plitt, the two set out after the suspect in McIntyre’s automobile. Mr. McIntyre of 853 Wellington, found Plitt’s gun empty, unable to fire on Smith, he rushed the barricaded suspect, seizing the gun from on top of the steps, and shot Smith in the head; simultaneously Patrolman David S. Weed of the Northwestern District came up on Smith as he was firing shots. Smith now shot by both Mr. McIntyre, Officer Weed, and possibly Sgt. Plitt, was taken to University hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Meantime, Burns was fighting for his life at University Hospital, a call went out across the city asking officers to give blood. A pint of blood was given by Lieut. Henry Kriss of the Eastern District, as well as many other officers from East to West, and North to South, if you wore a Baltimore City Police Officer’s badge, you offered your blood to help your brother.

Sadly on this day, 1931, Officer Burns who had joined the department only ten years, and one day earlier, (January 6, 1921) would succumb to his injuries to 7 January 1931.


As his brothers and sisters of the Baltimore Police Department we will not let him be forgotten, and we will take this time to remember him, think of him and thank him for his service and sacrifice.

More details

NameDescription
End of Watch 7 January, 1931
City, St. 382 St. Mary St.
Panel Number 41-E: 9
Cause of Death Gunfire
Weapon - Handgun
District Worked Northwestern

 

 

Published in Fallen Heroes

Detective John J Burns

Tuesday, 08 October 2019 22:03
Detective John J Burns

Detective John J. Burns

Detective John Burns Dies At Rifle Range

18 Aug 18 1945

Detective Sergeant. John J. Burns died suddenly yesterday (Friday 17 Aug 1945) morning at the rifle range · of the Baltimore Police Department Retraining School on Wire Mill Road, Sparrows Point He was 43.

While on the range Sergeant Burns complained to Lieut. Leonard Fehlauer, head of the school, about chest pains. Lieut Fehlauer suggested that he rest on a bench that was near by. Within a few minutes, Sergeant Burns toppled He was pronounced, dead on arrival at the Sparrows Point Hospital.

He was appointed to the police force. September 11, 1928, and served in the Eastern District until transferred to the · Detective Bureau in 1933; He was promoted to sergeant in 1937 and was commended ten-times. He was the son of the late Capt. Charles H. Burns, head of the Detective Bureau for some years.

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.

deviders our fallen

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.

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 17 Aug 1945
City, St. Wire Mill Rd, Dundalk, MD 21222
Cause of Death Heart Attack
District Worked Eastern

 

 

 

Published in Fallen Heroes

Patrolman Thomas J. Burns

Tuesday, 08 October 2019 22:01
Patrolman Thomas J. Burns

Patrolman Thomas J. Burns

1 Oct 1948

Motorcycle Officer Dies of Injuries

Patrolman Thomas J. Burns, a 23-year-old motorcycle policeman, died this morning 1 October 1948 after his motorcycle had crashed into a tractor-trailer truck on Erdman Ave.

The Army veteran, who had learned to ride police motorcycles last spring after serving as a patrolman and park policeman, died in City Hospital.

25 Volunteer Blood

Burns was thrown from his motorcycle and was rushed to the hospital with critical injuries. Almost as soon as he arrived a plea when out on police radios and teletype for volunteers to report to the hospital and donate the blood that would be needed for transfusions. Within 10 minutes after the call, 25 officers appeared to offer their blood.

Burns was single and lived in the 1500 block of Durham Street.

Police said he struck the oversized truck at the intersection of Erdman Avenue and N. Point Rd., as the truck was making a left-hand turn. Patrolman Leroy F. Davis and Charles Krein, of the accident investigation division, charged the driver of the truck with failure to give the right away to an emergency vehicle.

They said the truck, owned by Kane Transfer Company, of the 1100 block of Russell Street, was driven by Norman L. Willingham, 22, of the 100 block of Sanford Ave., Catonsville, MD.

More details

NameDescription
End of Watch 1 Oct 1948
City, St. Memorial Stadium Parking Lot
Panel Number N/A
Cause of Death Auto Accident
District Worked Motors

 

 

 

 

Published in Fallen Heroes

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