Baltimore Police History

Detective Julius Neveker

Courtesy Walt Neveker
Courtesy Walt Neveker

Earning his badge of service

February 07, 2004

City police detective ends 50 years on force

February 07, 2004|By Jamie Stiehm | Jamie Stiehm,SUN STAFF

On a wintry January day in 1954, an 18-year-old from South Baltimore started his first day on the job as a telephone clerk in the city's Southern Police District. In those days, that was the place where kids who wanted to be police officers grew into the job.

Over the next 50 years, Julius O. Neveker Sr. saw a bit of everything when it came to the seamy sides of the city. He saw bloody stabbing scenes. He saw the damage done during the street riots of 1968. He saw commissioners and mayors come and go. And, on one memorable night some 30 years ago, while he was a member of the city vice squad, he helped round up more than 100 female impersonators on prostitution charges.

"The good old days are gone forever," Neveker, the longest-serving officer on the city police force, said wryly yesterday at a retirement celebration attended by many dignitaries, including Baltimore police Commissioner Kevin P. Clark. "What can I say?"

His friends came out in force to say goodbye yesterday at police headquarters on East Fayette Street, and laughter filled the auditorium as 150 officers enjoyed the 68-year-old detective's trademark memories and salty humor.

Matt Jablow, the city police spokesman, said yesterday that Neveker might be a record-holder beyond Baltimore. "It is believed 50 years is a record for the longest time anyone has served continuously in a police agency," he said. "We're checking the Guinness Book of World Records."

Neveker's last post was keeping watch inside City Hall.

When Neveker was promoted to patrolman at 21, the Southern High School graduate felt home free. Clad in a pinstripe suit yesterday, Neveker waved a newspaper clipping from 1957 about himself as a telephone clerk. The article noted, "His most cherished ambition is to don the blue as a regular member of the force."

During his early patrol days, Neveker walked and covered familiar turf, the South Baltimore streets he knew from boyhood.

"In South Baltimore, the men were men and the women knew it," he said half-jokingly. "People in the neighborhood knew you. I miss some of the old-timers."

Neveker, known as Jules, clearly hails from the city's old school himself, by the way he says "po-lice," stressing the first syllable.

He and his wife Nancy have lived in Eldersburg in Carroll County for many years, but his Baltimore street syntax has not worn off.

Other tours of duty included the Southwestern District, the Criminal Investigation Division, the auto theft and vice squad divisions.

One night while working on the vice squad, Neveker recalled, he and others arrested 119 "female impersonators," as he put it, near Pennsylvania Avenue to face a judge in District Court the next morning.

When he worked downtown, Neveker became known as the "Fish Man" throughout police headquarters because he always stopped at Baltimore's fresh-fish market by the waterfront and brought seafood to colleagues who placed orders.

"Word got around that I had fish in my briefcase," Neveker said. In the late 1960s or early 1970s, that practice temporarily came to a stop when a colonel told him he shouldn't transport fish in his squad car. When the colonel found he was delivering fish to the commissioner, the ruling was reversed.

Not intimidated by authority in a rigidly rank-conscious organization of 3,300 uniformed officers, Neveker delighted in telling small tales of defiance yesterday.

When a colonel caught him dozing at his desk, he rebounded by telling him he was praying. As he told it, he added with comedic timing: "I was praying that you wouldn't catch me sleeping."

On another occasion, when his boss wouldn't give him a day off, he appealed to the boss' wife.

Nancy Neveker said even when her husband was sick with a temperature of 103 or 104 degrees, she could not stop him from going to work. "It was my life," Neveker told the audience of officers. "Every one of you is my brother and sister."

TO BE CONTINUED...

Patrolman Thomas Norton - Sergeant Philip J. Flood.

Patrolman Thomas Norton
Patrolman Thomas Norton

   

Policeman Re-appointed

8 April 1898

8 April 1898 – page 10

Policeman Re-appointed

The police board yesterday reappointed Sgt. Henry Shoemack and patrolman S. J. D. Wilson, Andrew Jemison and James and. McGeeney, of the central district, Sgt. Philip flood and patrolman Lewis the bus of the southern district; patrolman John Nix and George and. Kissner, of the Eastern district; patrolman Matthews for an Edwin M. Taylor of the Northeast district, and patrolman Joseph Brummer, of the Western district.

   
Saved Boy from Drowning

31 August 1901

31 August 1901 – page 12

Saved Boy from Drowning

Patrolman Norton Dives Overboard in Full Uniform

Patrolman Thomas Norton, of the southern district, played the role of a hero yesterday at ferry bar by diving into the water in full uniform and saving a life of Adolph Pfeffer, 16 years old, of 14 the PepsiCo Street

Young Pfeiffer, who had been crabbing was seized with a fit and fell into the water. Sgt. Flood and patrolman Norton were nearby, and the patrolman jumped into the water and with the assistance of Sgt. flood got the boy out. He was sent to his home in the southern patrol wagon, and patrolman Norton went home and changed his clothing.

   
Boy Tells of Holdup

27 October 1902

27 October 1902 – page 12

Boy Tells of Holdup

11 – Year – Old William Snyder Says He Was Robbed

Saved Watch by Screaming

but is $.25 is gone – John, 17 years old, and Henry Stockman, 14 years, arrested.

A community visitor from Masonville, Anne Arundel County, will return to his home today after an experience with the boys of South Baltimore which will doubtless cause him to look upon them with suspicion and fear for some time to come. In a full light of day and just off a busy thoroughfare he says he was held up and robbed of $.25, saving the watching war only by desperate resistance and lusty cries for help. The visitor is William Snyder – 11 years old, and locked up at the southern police station are: John – 17 years old, living on Williams Street. And Henry Stockman – 14 years old, 1614 Elizabeth Ln.

Snyder came to Baltimore to visit and aunt who lives on Denver Street, and about 2P. M. Was walking along that highway, which leads from light Street to the good ship Dale, in company with Williams Slert, 1211 Peach Alley, when, so he claims, three boys, all considerably larger than he, rust from the bushes on the side of the road and in dramatic tones commanded the two to “stand and deliver.” Sitting in the attack the realization of stories they had heard of how boys of that location “hung out” adventures who dared to trespass on their grounds, and afraid of the consequences of an attempt to escape, the two “stood.”

The “delivering” part, however, appears to have been less easy. To slurred the alleged highway men paid little attention. As there were no signs of wealth about him, they contended themselves with the posting one of their number over him was orders to cover his eyes. But the generally prosperous look of Snyder and a gold watch and chain which dangled from his pocket concentrated interest upon him. While one held his hands over Snyder’s eyes, the other is alleged to have searched his pocket. The victim sobbed when he left quarter department, but when strange hands grasped his watch and chain he arose in his wrath and get, screamed and fought so energetically and lustily that, though the chain was broken as the robbers fled, the timepiece remained.

Then with tears streaming down his cheeks and a sharp contrast to his manly stride, Snyder called his companion and the two sought out patrolman Thomas Norton between sobs the choked is utterance he told his story, and a few minutes later the patrolman picked up And Stockman. They were deeply engaged in watching the stringing of wires on light Street, and Snyder hid behind the big policeman’s farm as he walked up to them.

The to use under arrest are charged with simple assault.

“You be here tomorrow morning at 8 o’clock” said round Sgt. refer to Snyder at the police station, after the two accused had been locked up.

“If mom will let me come,” answered the boy

“Tell Mama that you must come,” said round Sgt. “all right, sir” said Snyder as he and his friend departed together.

   
Egypt’s Wonders Pictured

19 March 1909

19 March 1909 – page 9

Policeman Saves Two Lives

Mrs. Praeger and Mr. Alt. Carried from Burning Home.

Patrolman Thomas Norton, the champion wrestler of the southern district, distinguished himself early yesterday morning by saving the lives of Mrs. Catherine Praeger, 76 years old, and her son-in-law, Mr. Frantz Alt, from their burning home, 1500 Hanover St.

Mr. Norton was returning home with his wife and daughter when he saw smoke coming from the windows of the house. He threw himself against the door and burst it open. He was met by Mrs. Lena all, who shouted to him to save her mother, who was on the second floor. Norton put a handkerchief over his face and made his way to the second floor, where his foot struck the body of Mrs. Praegner. He picked her up and carried her to the home of Mr. Andrew Wilber, who lives across the street. When he went back he was told by Mrs. Alt that her husband had gone upstairs to fight the fire and see was afraid he would be overcome. Again Mr. Norton entered the house and carried Mr. Alt down the stairs.

The damage will not amount to more than a few hundred dollars (this was in 1909)

   
Marriage Arraignments 3 – No Title

20 October 1909

20 October 1909 – page 3

Married a Half Century

Mr. and Mrs. Henry Mack, parents of patrolman David Mack of the southern district celebrated their golden wedding anniversary at their home 120 W. Fort Ave., Monday night. The celebration was arranged by their children and the old folks were greatly surprised when their friends called.

Mr. Mac was born in Ireland, and as a boy he came to this country with his parents among those at the reception were Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Egan, Charles Begnelle, Lloyd Clayton, Raymond Feidt, Thomas Norton, Thomas Williams, Henry Kirby, Ms. Rosa McMahon, master Edward Larkins, Henry Mack, Dominic Larkins, Johnny Mac, William Mack, John Damon, William Delman, Charles Wilkes and William Patrick.

 

Iris Goat Likes Beer

19 July 1912

19 July 1912 – page 12

Iris Goat likes Beer

also Nibbles of the Luscious Limburger with his Beverage.

Patrolman Thomas Norton, of the southern district, as an Iris goat the drinks beer and each Limburger cheese, spars like a prize fighter and earns his living in prosperous times by being the business and of a goat express service – at least that’s what patrolman Norton says.

Billy bouncer, as is versatile goat is named, comes from Belfast about eight years ago on the Ulstermore. His home from that day on this has been 136 Westport Ave., where patrolman Norton, his wife and nine children live. Billy was given a good but practical education by his adopted master.

Bill’s business is hauling a green express wagon, usually full of children around the block. He is extremely popular in his neighborhood and is met Capt. cold and other big men of the South Baltimore police district. There was once circulated a Libby Lewis report the patrolman Norton said his goat on police lookout sheets, but this was denied.

Yet Billy is not a prohibitionist and is never requested the honor of becoming acquainted with Mr. William H Anderson.

   
Sgt. Flood Dies Suddenly

7 January 1913

7 January 1913 – page 5

Veteran Policeman who Died Suddenly

Sgt. Philip A. Flood

Sgt. Flood Dies Suddenly

Expires in Wife’s Arms – Had Excellent Police Record

Stricken with apoplexy in the dining room of his home, 1423 Light St., Sergeant Philip A. Flood, of the southern district, who had one of the best records in the police department, died in the arms of his wife at 1130 o’clock yesterday morning.

Sgt. Flood, who was on night duty, return to his home shortly after 4 o’clock yesterday morning, he rose shortly after 9 o’clock and complained of feeling ill. Mrs. Flood advised him to walk in the yard, thinking the air would relieve him. He went to the kitchen door, but did not go out, saying it was too cold. Mrs. Flood prepared a cup of coffee, which he drank, and he then went to the dining room and laid on the couch. His wife suggested that a physician be called, but he said he was not so ill that he needed a doctor.

Going to the kitchen to finish household duties, Mrs. Flood heard a sound as though her husband was choking. She went to his side and raise him in her arms. A physician was called, but the Sgt. died before his arrival.

Sgt. flood was born November 7, 1855. He was appointed a patrolman November 11, 1882, and was made Sgt. April 10, 1886. From the time of his appointment he served in the southern district. Three times he was commended by the board of police commissioners.

In 1890 he was commended for the arrest of George Mason, who was convicted of stealing a yacht. Five years later he arrested William Metz Dorf, who was convicted of smashing a number of store windows and stealing valuable articles. This arrest bar brought another commendation, as did the arrest of Charles Boyd alias Henry coaster, who was convicted in 1898 on the charge of using United States males to defraud.

Sgt. Flood was a member of the ancient order of him brands and of St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Catholic Church. He is survived by his widow miss Molly a flood: four daughters, Ms. Rose LeCompte, and Mrs. Anna, Margaret and Betsy flustered, one brother, John T Flood; one sister, miss Elizabeth Flood, and one grandson, Philip LeCompte.

   
60 Patrolman to March

10 January 1913

10 January 1913 – page 3

60 Patrolman to March

Capt. Cole will be in Command at Sgt. Flood’s Funeral.

The funeral of Sgt. Philip J. Flood, of the southern district, who died suddenly last Monday, will take place at 9 o’clock this morning 10 January 1913 from the Catholic Church of St. Mary’s Star of the Sea, Riverside Avenue and Clement Street. The procession will leave his home, 1423 Light St., at 830 o’clock Rev. J. T. Whalen, Francis Flanagan and Albert Smith will celebrate requiems mass.

Under the personal command of Capt. Cole, 60 patrolman of the southern district, in full dress uniform, will attend the service. Eight sergeants will be honorary pallbearers and six patrolman acted upon their. A large delegation from the ancient order of hibernians will also attend.

The honorary pallbearers will be round Sgt. on and Sgt. guess one, Owens, Ramsey, Shultz, white, Pfister, and the abuse. The active pallbearers will be patrolman William McCue, Thomas Norton, Robert Sullivan, George Lamarr, Matthew Cavanaugh, William Blank, Benjamin Vickers and Lawrence Talbot. Burial will be in Bonnie Bray Cemetery.

   
Police as Guard of Honor

11 January 1913

11 January 1913 – page 3

Police as Guard of Honor

Sgt. Flood Born to Grave by Former Conrad’s

60 patrolman of the southern district, under the command of Capt.: Lieut. Glenn, acted as guard of honor at the funeral of Sgt. Philip J. Flood yesterday morning. Sgt. Flood died suddenly at his home, 1423 Light St., Monday morning.

Short services were held at the house at 830 o’clock and at 9 o’clock a high mass of Requiem was celebrated at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Catholic Church. Rev. John T. Well in, pastor of St. Mary’s, was the celebrant. He was assisted by Rev. Francis Flanagan as deacon and Rev. Albert E. Smith as sub deacon

The honorary pallbearers were round Sgt. on and sergeants Gesswein, Owens, Ramsey, Schiltz, white, Pfister and DeBuse, of the southern district; Sgt. Griffith, of the Western district, and Sgt. Rowell of the Northwestern district

The active pallbearers were patrolman McCue, Norton, Sullivan, Lamarr, Cavanaugh, link, Talbot and Vickers. A large delegation from the ancient order of Hibernians was present. A number of beautiful floral designs, including one from the police of the southern district, were received.

   
Sgt. Gave Password

7 April 1913

7 April 1913 – page 12

Negroes Fight Policeman

Clothes torn, but he landed them in the station.

John Williams and Joseph Turner, Negroes, who gave their respective residences as 1218 North Calhoun St. and 118 West Hill St., tried to take possession of a light streetcar yesterday afternoon while imbued with a spirit of conquest and Sunday whiskey.

Patrolman Thomas Norton, of the southern district, boarded the car and in some way got them off at West and light streets. He was proceeding toward the southern police station by way of Marshall Street when both the Negroes turned on him and tried to beat him and get away. Though taken off his guard, Norton defended himself until Sgt. Owens and patrolman Nelligan came to his rescue.

   
Brennan to be Retired

16 February, 1914

16 February, 1914 – Page 12

Brennan to be Retired

Veteran detective ordered before police surgeons first survey – has been 34 years on the force rumor has it that others of the older men of the department will be retired.

After 34 years of service in the police department Peter J. Brennan, for 16 years a headquarters Detective, has been directed to appear before the board of police surgeons for a physical examination and it is likely that in less then a week he will be retired from active service.

Detective Brennan was not surprised when he received the order from secretary Kinsley Saturday afternoon, for these have been rumored for some time that some of the older man in the department would be retired.

Pres. McEvoy of the police board said last night that the decision of retirements came up at the board meeting last Friday after testimony had been heard in a trial of patrolman Thomas Norton, of the southern district. Norton was accused of drinking intoxicating liquor while on duty. He pleaded that he had been suffering from grip and was taking medicine. Norton is 60 years old. The Commissioner reserved their decision

Pres. McEvoy’s Polley

Pres. McAvoy declared during the trial that the board did not expect a policeman to remain on duty if he was ill. “It is an injustice to the men to permit them to remain on duty if they are ill.” he said.

It is said that a number of retirements are considered and it is understood that a physical survey of the personnel of the entire department will be made in the near future.

Detective Brennan is one of the most widely known of headquarters men. He was appointed a patrolman December 2, 1880, made Sgt. June 1, 1884 and appointed detective in 1886. He had served under Detective Capt. Freeburger, Pumphrey and McGovern and has been rated a first-class detective.

To his many friends he is known as “Pete” Brennan. In the old days when Baltimore was a stopping off place for high-class crooks and was there most dangerous foe in the banking districts. He has been commended many times by his superiors

Capture of Mooney in Denver
One of Brennan’s notable feats was the arrest of Lee Mooney, the leader of rigor and Mooney streetcar holdup in June 1904. The car, on the lake side line of the United railways, was held up, the conductor shot in the head and several pastors robbed of their money and jewelry. Brennan new Moody. Rigor was arrested in Ohio and a month later Capt. Pumphrey received word that Mooney was in Colorado. Brennan and Ackerman went to Denver and while walking near the Denver post office, Brennan saw Mooney leave the post office. Brennan leveled his pistol at Mooney.

“It’s all up, Pete, you’ve got me.” Said Mooney, who was armed with a brace of pistols. He was shackled where he stood and brought to this city.
Brennan was ordered before the police surgeons for survey 10 April, 1912. The report was submitted to president Soper, and the commissioners decided that he was not ready for retirement

Sergeant Philip J. Flood

Sergeant Philip J. Flood

Sergeant Philip Flood was born in this city on November 7, 1855. He was appointed to the police force on November 11, 1882, and on April 9, 1886, was commissioned as sergeant.

Our Police 1888
Pg 372

     

David Eastman

David Eastman
David Eastman
David Eastman
David Eastman
  David Eastman

L to R - Patty Driscoll, Kenny Driscoll, David Eastman, and in the background Angie Halcomb
David Eastman David Eastman
David Eastman

29 Nov 1991

David Eastman
Preakness 1978  Dave Eastman on his Horse "Mack"

Handsome, Tough Guy Face

Officer Norman Stamp and David Eastman at the 1976 Civic Center Car show

Looking at a drag racer outfitted like a police car they called it "Kop Kar" 

Bob Petza and Dave Eastman

Jerry DeManss, Leonard O'Conner, and Dave Eastman

 24 Feb 1992  

Officer Gary Dresser

Courtesy of Gary's Daughter Kirsten Dresser
Courtesy of Gary's Daughter Kirsten Dresser
Courtesy of Gary's Daughter Kirsten Dresser
Courtesy of Gary's Daughter Kirsten Dresser
Courtesy of Gary's Daughter Kirsten Dresser
Courtesy of Gary's Daughter Kirsten Dresser
Courtesy of Gary's Daughter Kirsten Dresser
Courtesy of Gary's Daughter Kirsten Dresser

Courtesy of Gary's Daughter Kirsten Dresser

Four Officers Wounded In Gun Fight October 31, 1974   Officer Alric Moore The streets of West Baltimore were almost deserted as Officer Alric K. Moore, of the Western District began trying-up doors on his post in the early morning hours of Thursday, October 31, 1974. While approaching a bar in the 1600 block of West Baltimore Street he noticed that the side door was ajar. Closer examination revealed fresh pry marks and he immediately called for back-up units. When other officers arrived they discovered that the juke box and other items had been removed. Further investigation revealed a trail of scuff marks, left by the heavy record player, leading down the alley to the rear porch of a house on Fayette Street. Officer Gary Dresser With the front of the building covered Officer Gary W. Dresser and Officer Moore approached the closed door that partly blocked by the stolen juke box. As they got onto the porch of the darkened house rapid-fire gun shots rang out from inside striking Officer Moore in the right shoulder and wounding Officer Dresser in the hand as he dove for cover. As Officer Dresser helped the wounded Officer out of the line of fire Officer Glenn D. Hauze was hit in the right shoulder by a second burst of gunfire as he rushed to their aid. "Medal of Honor Recipient" Officer Glenn Hauze Back-up units responded quickly and tightly sealed off the area. The gunman moved from one window to another firing short bursts from his semi-automatic 45 caliber rifle, as the officers returned fire and Officers Hauze and Moore were rushed to the hospital. One of the bursts struck Officer Joseph E. Hlafka wounding him in the jaw, back shoulder and both arms as he took up a position in a near-by yard. Officer Hlafka was removed and rushed to an area hospital as the officers returned fire and attempted to talk the suspect out of the house. The suspect moved to the front and officers continued to ask him to surrender and throw his weapon out. Soon the semi-automatic was dropped from a second floor window. It rested on the front steps as officers cautiously approached the front door. As they edged towards the entrance the suspect yelled, "put your guns away and I'll give up." Officer Charles Thrush holstered his service revolver and advised the suspect that he was going to handcuff him. As Officer Thrush walked towards him, the gunman grabbed the semi-automatic rifle lying next to the steps. Sergeant Anthony Sarro, of the Southwestern District, warned Officer Thrush, who dove for cover, and as the suspect began to raise the weapon Sergeant Sarro fired one round from his shotgun.   Officer Joseph Hlafka The suspect then dropped his weapon and retreated back into the house. After the other occupants of the dwelling came out, the officers entered the premises. The suspect was found dead in the hallway on the third floor. A search of the house revealed a recently stolen 357 magnum revolver. The weapon had been taken in an assault and robbery the day before in the 2000 block of W. Pratt Street. Officers Dresser and Hauze were treated at area hospitals and released. Officer Moore and HIafka were admitted to Bon Secours Hospital.

Officer Joseph E. Hlafka "Nightstick Joe" 

Baltimore Police Department
A Thin Blue Line
Leo Kahl

Baltimore Blue Bloods

The Families within our Family

This page is dedicated to the Fathers and Sons, Brothers and Sisters, Husbands, Wives; Aunts, Uncles, and Nieces and Nephews, any relatives in and of the Baltimore Police Department, it will take time to build this list, and eventually we will have to alphabetize the list, but for now, it is too few to really begin putting in any order.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 

A

William Ackiss (Husband)
Deana Ackiss (Wife)

Sgt. William George Adams Jr. (Grandfather)
P/O Raymond C Eibner (Uncle)
P/O Louis H Eibner (Great Uncle)
P/O Lynne Eibner Brown (Cousin)
P/O Todd W Eibner

Ernie Anderson (Husband)
Dawn Anderson (Wife)

Sgt. Tobias Airey 1851
Cpt. Charles LeBon 1817 to 1837
P/O Earl LeBon

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 

B

Lt. Brennen (father)
P/O Barbara Brennen (daughter)

Sgt. Edwin B. Bullock (Great Grandfather)
Lt. Edmund Bossle (Great Grandson)

Joe Breitenbach (Brother)
Tim Breitenbach (Brothers)

Det Danny Boone (Father)
P/O Dante Boone (Son)

Capt. Elmer Bowen (father)
Lieut. William Bowen (son)
Officer Jack Heaps (uncle)
Officer Melvin Rose (brother-in-law)
Officer Charles Nethken (cousin)

Commissioner Frederick H. Bealefeld III
P/O Charles Bealefeld
P/O Barney Bealefeld
P/O John B. Bealefeld
P/O Frederick Henry Bealefeld Sr

Col. Joseph Bolesta (Brother)
Bruce Bolesta (Brother)
William Bolesta

P/O Paul Boone (Joe's Uncle)
P/O Donald Burns  (Joe's Cousin)
Lt Joe Peters (Husband)
Det Janice Peters (Wife)
P/O John Edward Swift (Joe's Great Grandfather)
P/O Adam Smith (Janice's Great Grandfather)

Robert L. Brown Sr. (Father)
Robert L. Brown Jr. (Son)
Melissa Edick ( Daughter)

P/O Lynne Eibner Brown (Cousin)
P/O Raymond C Eibner (Uncle)
P/O Louis H Eibner (Great Uncle)
P/O Todd W Eibner (nephew)
Sgt. William George Adams Jr. (Grandfather)

Dr. Frank Barranco (cousin)
Col. Tim Longo (uncle)
Det. Steve Longo (nephew)
Ofc. Joseph Longo (cousin)

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

C

Sgt Augustus Chaillou
Sgt Louis Chaillou  (Brother of Sgt Augustus)
Lt Charles Thompson (gg-grandson of Sgt Louis)

Roger Carrol
Sandy Carrol

Sergeant Carroll (Father)
Colonel Joseph Carroll (Son)
Sergeant Frederick W. Carroll

Dan Calhoun (Husband)
Cathy Calhoun (Wife)

Morgan Clasing - Daughter
Kathleen Ryan Clasing - Mother
Bernard Clasing, Jr. - Dad
Mark Clasing - Uncle
David Clasing - Uncle
Steven Fischer - Cousin/Father
Melissa Fischer -Cousin/Daughter

P/A David Cheuvront
Sgt. Bill Cheuvront
P/O Dawn Cheuvront

Major William Colburn (Father)
Lieutenant William Colburn (Son)

Gary Cichowicz (brother)
Mike Cichowicz (brother)
Albert Markiewitz (uncle)
Robert Clifford Sgt. (great uncle)

Nick Constantine
Gene Constantine

P/O Dianna L. Ckyyou (sister)
P/O Joseph B. Johnson (brother)

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

D

Officer Mike Driscoll (Uncle to Kenny Driscoll - 2nd Uncle to Jamie Driscoll)
Det Kenny Driscoll (Nephew to Mike Driscoll, and Leo Smith – Cousin to Gary Smith, Father to Jamie Driscoll)
Det Leo Smith (Father to Gary, Uncle to Kenny Driscoll - 2nd Uncle to Jamie Driscoll)
Officer Gary Smith (Son to Leo Smith, Cousin to Kenny Driscoll - 2nd Cousin to Jamie Driscoll)
Cadet Jamie Driscoll (Daughter to Kenny Driscoll, 2nd Niece to Mike Driscoll and Leo Smith - 2nd Cousin to Gary Smith)

Sgt Charles R. Daugherty
Sgt Donald F. Daugherty
P/O Robert L Daugherty

Kenny Dickstein  (Father)
Ryan Dickstein   (Son)

P/O Patrick Deachilla (Son)  
P/O William "Bill" Martin (Father)

Det. Shirley Disney
Det. Marty Disney

Edward Dunn (Father)
Michael Dunn (Son)
Paul Dunn, (Son)

Capt. John Dunn (Grandfather to Dick Ellwood JR. & John Ellwood)
Lt. Ed Dunn (Uncle to Dick Ellwood & John Ellwood)
P/O Dick Ellwood Sr. (Father to Dick Ellwood Jr. & John Ellwood)
Sgt. John Ellwood (Brother of Dick Ellwood Sr. - Son/Dick Ellwood Jr.)
Sgt. Dick Ellwood Jr.(son of Dick Ellwood Sr./brother to John Ellwood)
Det. David Ellwood (son of Dick Ellwood Jr.)

Major Robert Distefano (Brother)
P/O John Distefano (Brother)

P/O Frank DeManss
Lt. Jerry DeManss
Sgt Louis DeManss

Dep Com Errol Dutton
Major Diane Dutton (sister)

P/O Edward Dunn (Father)
Sgt. Michael Dunn (Son)
P/O Paul Dunn (Son)

Roderick Dotson Sr
Roderick Dotson Jr

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

E

P/O Raymond C Eibner (Uncle)
P/O Louis H Eibner (Great Uncle)
P/O Lynne Eibner Brown (Cousin)
P/O Todd W Eibner
Sgt. William George Adams Jr. (Grandfather)

Robert Ewing (Brother)
Patrick Ewing (Brother)
Robert Ewing (Cousin)

Melissa Edick ( Daughter)
Robert L. Brown Sr. (Father)
Robert L. Brown Jr.(Son)

LT Errol Etting, Sr (Retired)

P/O Errol Etting, Jr (Son)

P/O Jamison Etting (Nephew)

P/O Dick Ellwood Sr. (Father to Dick Ellwood Jr. & John Ellwood)
Sgt. John Ellwood (Brother of Dick Ellwood Sr. - Son/Dick Ellwood Jr.)
Sgt. Dick Ellwood Jr.(son of Dick Ellwood Sr./brother to John Ellwood)
Det. David Ellwood (son of Dick Ellwood Jr.)
Capt. John Dunn (Grandfather to Dick Ellwood JR. & John Ellwood)
Lt. Ed Dunn (Uncle to Dick Ellwood & John Ellwood)

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z  

F

Sgt Wm. Forrest
Capt. William J. Forrest

P/O Toni Furlong
P/O Bill Furlong
P/O Rob Furlong Jr

Sgt. Kirk Fleet (Brother)
P/O Karen Fleet (Sister)

William Feeley (Mark's Cousin, Howard, and Charles' Nephew)
Mark Lindsay (William's Cousin)
Howard Lindsay (Mark's Father)
Charles Lindsay (Mark's Uncle, and Howard's Brother)
James Stein (Mark's Uncle, and Howard's brother-in-law)

Steven Fischer - Cousin/Father
Melissa Fischer -Cousin/Daughter
Morgan Clasing - Daughter
Kathleen Ryan Clasing - Mother
Bernard Clasing, Jr. - Dad
Mark Clasing - Uncle
David Clasing - Uncle

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 

G

Col. Joeseph “Carl” Gutberlet
Det. Laurie Zuromski (Guterlet) 3rd wife
Sgt. Donna Gutberlet 2nd wife

Lt. Frank Grunder (father)
Sgt. Frank Grunder (son)

John Groncki (brother)
Det Robert Groncki (brother)

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 

H

Charles Heiderman P/O (Great Grandfather)
Walter Heiderman P/O (Grand Father)
John Heiderman P/O (Grandson / Great-Grandson / Cousin) 
Fred Heiderman Lt. (Cousin)

Major Sidney R. Hyatt (father)
Lieutenant Colonel Melissa R. Hyatt (daughter)

Gary Hoover (brother)
Louis Hoover (brother)

Drew Hall (Husband)
Eileen Hall (Wife)
Sgt. Norman Jacobs (father)

Officer Jack Heaps (uncle)
Capt. Elmer Bowen (father)
Lieut. William Bowen (son)
Officer Melvin Rose (brother-in-law)
Officer Charles Nethken (cousin)

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 

I

Thomas Irwin (Great, Great Great Uncle)
Robert L. Irwin (Uncle)
Kathy Irwin (Niece)

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 

J

Sgt. Walter Johnson (Uncle)
Det. Ray Johnson (Nephew)

P/O Joseph B. Johnson (brother)
P/O Dianna L. Ckyyou (sister)

Sgt. Norman Jacobs (father)
Drew Hall (Husband)
Eileen Hall (Wife)

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 

K

Sgt. Chris Kirhagis
P/O Adam Kirhagis

John Keil (Step-father),
Autumn L. Gibert-Macareno (Step-daughter)

P/O Harry Koffenberger (Father)
Maj. Harry Koffenberger, Jr. (Son) 

Sgt. Stephen Kolackovsky (Brother)
P/O Dean Kolackovsky (Brother)

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 

L

P/O Bernie Lowery
P/O BJ Lowery – son

Det. Vincent M. Lash. G545 SES (twin)
Det. Michael V. Lash G544 sex offense unit. (Twin)

George Washington Lamar
Thomas C. Wade Sr
Thomas C. Wade Jr
Joe Wade
Timmy Wade

Col. Tim Longo (uncle)
Det. Steve Longo (nephew)
Ofc. Joseph Longo (cousin)
Dr. Frank Barranco (cousin)

Det./Sgt. Steve Lehmann (Great Grandson)
Sgt. James McCloskey (Great Grandfather)

Dan Lioi (father)
Sergeant Lioi (son)

Robert Lewandowski (brother)
John Lewandowski (brother)

Det Mark Lindsay 
Officer Howard Lindsay (Father)
Officer Charles Lindsay (Uncle)
Officer James Stein (Uncle)
Officer William Feeley (cousin)

Lt Raymond Landsman-Father
Lt Jerry Landsman-Son
Sgt Jay Landsman-Son
P/o Jack Landsman-Son
Maj Regis Raffensberger-Son-in-law

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 

M

Sgt James Magness. (Husband)
Deputy Major Barbara Magness (Wife)
Crystal Sheffield (Sister)

Deputy Commissioner Melvin McQuay  (father)
P/O Charles McQuay (son)
P/O Carolyn McQuay (Chuck's wife)

P/O Peggy Mullen
P/O Jim "Moon" Mullen

Albert Markiewitz (uncle)
Gary Cichowicz (brother)
Mike Cichowicz (brother)
Robert Clifford Sgt. (great uncle)

P/O Howard L. Mills (Grandfather)
Sgt. Donald Voss (Grandson)
P/O Edwin Duke (Brother-in-law)

Dep Com Ron Mullen
Col. Patricia Mullen

P/O William "Bill" Martin (Father)
P/O Patrick Deachilla (Son) 

P/O John Mckinley (Father)
P/O John Mckinley (Son)
P/O Deborah Mckinley (Daughter)
P/O James Mckinley (Grandson)

P/O Jacob Mainster (3rd great grandfather)
Sgt. Thomas Wahlen (Father)
P/O Brian Wahlen (Son)

Captain Dennis P Mello (Grandfather)
P/O Mello (Granddaughter)

Officer David Mills
Officer Maxine Mills

Casper (Joe) Miller
David Miller
Thomas Miller


Edward Mendez Jr (Husband)
Terry Watkins Mendez (Wife)
 

Sgt. James McCloskey (Great Grandfather)
Det./Sgt. Steve Lehmann (Great Grandson)

P/O Raymond Graf (Great Great Grandfather) 
Sgt Ed Mattson (Great Great Grandson)

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 

N

Bunny Nevins
Richard Nevins

P/O Charles T. Neill (father)
P/O Bruce C. Neill (son)

Officer Charles Nethken (cousin)
Capt. Elmer Bowen (father)
Lieut. William Bowen (son)
Officer Jack Heaps (uncle)
Officer Melvin Rose (brother-in-law)

Sgt. Patrick Newman (Father)
Colonel Joesph Newman (Son)

Officer Bernard Newberger (Husband)
Officer Lola Newberger (Wife)

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 

O

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 

P

Det Cecil Patterson Jr (father)
Det Gilbert Wankmiller (uncle)
P/O Jack L. Patterson (son)

Col Margaret W. Patten
Sgt Bruce Patten

LT. Col Kathleen Patek
Sgt Patek

Lieutenant Kenny Peach
Captain John Peach

Lt Joe Peters (Husband)
Det Janice Peters (Wife)
P/O Paul Boone (Joe's Uncle)
P/O Donald Burns  (Joe's Cousin)
P/O John Edward Swift (Joe's Great Grandfather)
P/O Adam Smith (Janice's Great Grandfather)

P/O Anthony James Panowitz (Father)
P/O Edward A Panowitz, Sr (Son)
P/O Edward A James Panowitz Jr. aka Skip (Grandson)
P/O Edmund Panowicz (Nephew)
P/O Gregory Panowicz (Nephew – Brother of Edmund)
P/O Raphael Panowicz (Nephew – Brother of Edmund)
Sergeant  Walter James Panowicz (Nephew – Brother of Edmund)

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 

Q

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 

R

Lt Juan Rodriguez (Husband)
Linda  Rodriguez (Wife)
Major Antonio Rodriguez (Lt Juan Rodriguez's brother)
P/O Kristopher Rodriguez (Maj Antonio Rodriguez’s son)
P/O Louie Renteria (Lt Juan Rodriguez's Son)

P/O David Reitz (husband)
P/O Suzan Reitz (wife)

Lt. Col David Reitz
P/O Susan Reitz

Fred Roussey
Vince Roussey
Fred Jr. Roussey
Jamie Roussey

Officer Charles Nethken (cousin)
Capt. Elmer Bowen (father)
Lieut. William Bowen (son)
Officer Jack Heaps (uncle)
Officer Melvin Rose (brother-in-law)

Maj Regis Raffensberger-Son-in-law
Lt Raymond Landsman-Father
Lt Jerry Landsman-Son
Sgt Jay Landsman-Son
P/o Jack Landsman-Son

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 

S

P/O Les Stickles Sr. (Father)
Lt. Les Stickles Jr. (Son)

Brian Schwaab (brother)
Doug Schwaab (brother)

Patrick Sellers (brother)
John Sellers (brother)

P/O Paul W. Sharpley,Sr. ( Father )
P/O Robert G. Sharpley ( Son )
 

Ralph Stansbury (Grandfather)
Sergeant Howard Stansbury Sr. (Father)
Detective Howard Stansbury Jr. (Grandson/son)

Det Leo Smith (Father to Gary, Uncle to Kenny Driscoll)
Officer Gary Smith (Son to Leo Smith Cousin to Kenny Driscoll)
Officer Mike Driscoll (Uncle to Kenny Driscoll)
Det Kenny Driscoll (Nephew to Mike Driscoll, and Leo Smith – Cousin to Gary Smith father to Jamie)
Cadet Jamie Driscoll (Daughter to Kenny Driscoll, Niece to Mike Driscoll and Leo Smith)

Alan E. Small Agent (Father)
Timothy M. Small Officer (Son)

P/O John Edward Swift (Joe's Great Grandfather)
P/O Adam Smith (Janice's Great Grandfather)
P/O Paul Boone (Joe's Uncle)
P/O Donald Burns  (Joe's Cousin)
Lt Joe Peters (Husband)
Det Janice Peters (Wife)

Tom Shillenn
Kevin Shillenn
Darryl Shillenn

Crystal Sheffield (Sister)
Sgt James Magness. (Husband)
Deputy Major Barbara Magness (Wife)

James Stein (Marks Uncle, Howard's Brother-in-law)
Mark Lindsay (James’ Nephew)
Howard Lindsay (Mark's Father)
Charles Lindsay (Mark's Uncle, and Howard's Brother)
William Feeley (Mark's Cousin, Howard, and Charles' Nephew)

Edward Stefankiewicz P/O  (Father) Here
Andy Stefankiewicz P/O (Son) 

John Sharp (Cousin)
Sgt. Chris Grant  (Cousin)

Barbara Schlereth  (Mother)
Rick Schlereth (Son)

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 

T

P/O Richard Thompson Sr. (Father)
P/O RichardThompson Jr. (Son)

Col. Leon Tomlin (Father)
Det. Sgt. Mark Tomlin (son)
Det. Nick Tomlin (son)

Joanne Tutor (Wife)
George Tutor (Husband)

Lt Charles Thompson (GG-Grandson of Sgt Louis)
Sgt Augustus Chaillou
Sgt Louis Chaillou  (Brother of Sgt Augustus)

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 

U

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 

V

 
Lt. JoAnn Oliphant Voelker
P/O Everett Voelker

Sgt. Donald Voss (Great-Grandson)
P/O Edwin Duke (Brother-in-law)
P/O Howard L. Mills (Great-Grandfather)

Det Glenn Valis ( Father -Retired )
P/O Corey A. Valis (Active - son)
P/O Christopher G. Valis ( Active - son )

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 

W

Sgt. Edward Thomas Weitzel (Father)
P/O Robert D Weitzel (Son)

August T. Waldsachs (Brother) 
Joseph C. Waldsachs (Brother)

Thomas C. Wade Sr
Thomas C. Wade Jr
Joe Wade
Timmy Wade
George Washington Lamar

Sgt. Thomas Wahlen (Father)
P/O Brian Wahlen (Son)
P/O Jacob Mainster (3rd great grandfather)

Det Gilbert Wankmiller (uncle)
Det Cecil Patterson Jr (father)
P/O Jack L. Patterson (son)

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 

X

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 

Y

P/O Robert Yamin (Uncle)
Detective Sergeant L.Gary Yamin (Nephew)

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 

Z

Det. Laurie Zuromski (Guterlet) 3rd wife
Col. Joeseph “Carl” Gutberlet
Sgt. Donna Gutberlet 2nd wife

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

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 Baltimore City Police Vehicles

The First Police Vehicles used in the Baltimore Police Department came beginning in 1909 based on a newspaper article dated 1911 which gave us the following count;

Auto Patrol vehicles have been added to the department subsequently as follows: The first vehicle ever came in May 1909, the second in May 1910, the third in June 1910, followed by the fourth in Aug 1910, fifth in July 1911, the sixth, seventh, and eighth all came in November 1911. In addition to these eight auto patrol units, there was a (Prisoner Transport Vehicle)  known as “Black Maria”, a truck, and a machine (auto) each for Marshal Farnan and Deputy Marshal Manning, making a total of 11 automobiles purchased for the entire department from 1909 to 1911.

There was a news article from August 1907 that stated the Department was to receive a Columbia Electric Automobile when complete the machine was put to use in the Central District as an Ambulance, and Patrol/Paddy Wagon. It was said to have been easy to run, and easily made 16 miles an hour. Unlike the illustrated picture used to show Baltimore’s New Police vehicle, Baltimore’s Wagon would come with windows and curtains. From the article at the start of this page, it would appear the vehicle they order in late 1907, didn't make it to Baltimore until early to mid-1909. (Some things never change.)

Courtesy Patricia Driscoll 2006 Chevy

The Department settled on the new design and ordered 60 vehicles, there were only 30 in the country all white, with 30 more out of the country. The department took them, the black vehicles were imported back into the country and came to us; in the future, we will only have black, (unless they do as they did in the beginning and use white for T.I.S. and other traffic units) but initially, we had to take what was available. I like the black best, and think this is one of the best looking cars we've had in a long time. "Captain J. Eric Kowalczyk of the Baltimore Police Department said, “Our new vehicle design is an outward reflection of the inner change taking hold in the police department. It was designed by our officers and speaks to the pride they have for this organization.” Police Commissioner Anthony Batts said, “You may have seen pictures on social media of a new type of Baltimore Police vehicle. The picture shows a black caprice, with new markings. “Yes it is real, and yes it is coming. We are currently waiting on some remaining equipment to arrive before the vehicles can be deployed to the districts, but that is the future we are headed towards. “A number of months ago, a working group was convened by Colonel DeSousa, to see if there was any interest in a new look for our cars, and what equipment you wanted to see in them. “The result was very clear, and the design of the new cars is the same design that has been on Foxtrot for years. I want to make sure that you have a car that you can be proud of and I know you will be very happy with the cars when they come to the districts soon.”

Courtesy Rick Ojeda
2014 Chevy
Northern District
3 Dec 2014
Northern District
3 December 2014
3 December 2014
3 December 2014
3 December 2014
3 December 2014

Courtesy of Jim Derreth
2012 BPD Chevy Caprice PPV
Diecast BPD Hidden Link
20Courte

Courtesy of Jim Derreth
2012 BPD Chevy Caprice PPV
Courtesy of Jim Derreth
2012 BPD Chevy Caprice PPV 

LIGHTS ON
History of Emergency Lights on Police Cars

Police cars began adding spotlights to the driver side or out of the roof of vehicles for extra visibility as soon as the electrical systems could handle them, but red and blue dome rooftop police lights didn’t become common until the mid-1930s.

The first police lights made from tail lights— which explains the red — they were mounted on the front fenders, or front bumpers, long before they went to the roof. Some cars had them in pairs, and others had an extra light mounted on the front right fender, facing rightward, that read “PULL OVER” or “STOP” when lit, which was used to stop speeding drivers.

The first 360° rotating “gumball” type light, called the “Beacon Ray”, was introduced by the Federal Sign and Signal Company in 1948. Red (and later blue) gumball lights remained popular through the late 1960s when they began to be replaced with horizontal “light bars” that included multiple rotating lights, mirrors to reflect their light forward or wherever else it was needed, and a siren.

STILL THE SAME

For all the changes that police cars have gone through in their first 100 years, one thing has not changed, at least not since that angry mob pushed the City of Akron’s custom-built electric police wagon into the river in 1900. Police cars have always been modified versions of standard automobiles, nothing more. Automakers didn’t even offer special law-enforcement upgrades (such as improved brakes, tires, steering, and suspension components) until Ford added them to its first “Police Package” cars in 1950. GM, Chrysler, and other major American automakers soon followed, and American police cars have been made that way ever since. So far, none of the Big 3 automakers have ever designed a “purpose-built” police car from scratch, because annual police car sales are too small to justify the expense.

Courtesy John Heiderman

COURTESY BALTIMORE POLICE DEPARTMENT

 To visit a Bike Unit Page Click HERE or ether of the two Bike Unit Pics below
COURTESY SGT. ROBERT FISCHER COURTESY SGT. ROBERT FISCHER

COURTESY SGT. ROBERT FISCHER

 1920'S INDIAN MOTORCYCLE

 COURTESY SGT. ROBERT FISCHER

 1926 FORD COUPE

Courtesy Gary and Kath Lapchak
Car Logo - 1985

 COURTESY SGT. ROBERT FISCHER

  1935 CHEVROLET

 SOUND CAR DEPT. SAFETY EDUCATION

 OFFICER LOUIE MARTINDALE (DRIVER)

 Officer Fred R. Fleischmann and Officer Joseph Hergat

 Photo courtesy Sergeant Robert Fisher

 1940's Chevrolet A.I.D. Traffic car TC-3

COURTESY SGT. ROBERT FISCHER

1947 International Patrol Wagon

 Officer Oliver R.Ellis, Traffic Division

 1940's BPD Tow Truck

Photo courtesy Sergeant Robert Fisher

 1942 Packard A.I.D. Off. U.B. Huff

 COURTESY SGT. ROBERT FISCHER

 1946 Chevrolet FleetMaster Town Sedan

UNUSUAL LETTERING AND 2 TONE PAINT SCHEME

1955 Ford Pic taken in 1956
when POLICE was added to the back
of our Patrol Cars

Courtesy Johnny Heiderman
an Example of the Rear Panel of the Patrol Car
POLICE Reflective Letters

 COURTESY SGT. ROBERT FISCHER

 Officer Maurice Cochran and Timothy Moran, Southwest District  72

OFFICER WILLIAM HACKLEY

Officer Wilbert Sudmeier (center)

 1948 GREY CHEVROLET

 1954 CHEVROLET

 Photo courtesy Sergeant Robert Fisher

 COURTESY SGT. ROBERT FISCHER

 1950'S EMERGENCY VEHICLE UNIT (EVU)

 TACTICAL UNIT  CP-12

COURTESY SGT. ROBERT FISCHER

COURTESY SGT. ROBERT FISCHER

1950'S CHEVROLET

 PATROL WAGON  CP-10

COURTESY SGT. ROBERT FISCHER

COURTESY SGT. ROBERT FISCHER

 1950's CRUISING PATROL

SHANNON BAUM PHOTOGRAPH
 1956 Ford, man kneeling on left is the owner of Shannon Baum, maker of the decals for the department,

 1955 FORD

Sunpaper pic

 COURTESY SGT. ROBERT FISCHER

 1955-1956 Ford K-9 cars (above)

   1957 Ford Safety Patrol Unit (below)

 COURTESY SGT. ROBERT FISCHER

 1957 FORD

SAFETY PATROL CAR

COURTESY SERGEANT ROBERT FISCHER

COURTESY SGT. ROBERT FISCHER
This is word POLICE first added to the back of the car in 1956

1957 FORD

Showing the side door markings

1957 CHEVROLET  A.I.D.

Accident Investigation Division

COURTESY SGT. ROBERT FISCHER

1958 FORD

K-9 CARS

 COURTESY SGT. ROBERT FISCHER

COURTESY SGT. ROBERT FISCHER

1958 FORD

K9 UNIT

1959 Ford at the scene of an accident

COURTESY SGT. ROBERT FISCHER

COURTESY SGT. ROBERT FISCHER

COURTESY SGT. ROBERT FISCHER

COURTESY SGT. ROBERT FISCHER

COURTESY SGT. ROBERT FISCHER

COURTESY SGT. ROBERT FISCHER

COURTESY SGT. ROBERT FISCHER

COURTESY SGT. ROBERT FISCHER

 1960'S JEEP

NORTHERN DISTRICT  N-29

DRUID HILL PARK OR LAKE ROLAND PATROL VEHICLE

1960'S BUS

COMMUNITY RELATIONS

OFFICER FRIENDLY

Photo courtesy Sergeant Robert Fisher

COURTESY SGT. ROBERT FISCHER

1960 FORD

SAFETY PATROL CAR

COURTESY SGT. ROBERT FISCHER

COURTESY SGT. ROBERT FISCHER

Above 1960 FORD patrol car, testing a new paint scheme. Black with front doors and roof WHITE, 

Below, 1960 Ford patrol car testing a new paint scheme. Black with both doors and roof WHITE.

Neither design was adopted.
All Black with a White roof was selected.

COURTESY SGT. ROBERT FISCHER

COURTESY SGT. ROBERT FISCHER

 COURTESY SGT. ROBERT FISCHER 

 COURTESY SGT. ROBERT FISCHER 

  COURTESY SGT. ROBERT FISCHER 

1962 Ford K-9 wagon

COURTESY SGT. ROBERT FISCHER

COURTESY SGT. ROBERT FISCHER

 

Courtesy Mark Lindsay
The first CP-11 and CP-12 trucks were donated to the Department from a Baltimore Bread Company.
Here one of the trucks: late 60's. At the Fallsway parking lot behind the old HQ Bldg.

 Accident Investigation Division

Photo courtesy Sgt. Robert Fisher

1962 Ford sedan NED post car #413

 1963 Ford Sedan

 1963 Plymouth Traffic Car 

In 1963 the department used both Fords and Plymouths in the fleet. The Plymouths were used for Traffic

COURTESY SGT. ROBERT FISCHER

 1964 FORD BLACK & WHITE PATROL CAR WITH THE McDermott FLASHING LIGHT. 

1964 DODGE TRAFFIC UNIT (AID) ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION DIVISION. WHITE CAR WITH BLACK HOOD AND AA REVOLVING ROOF LIGHT

1965 Ford unmarked Traffic RADAR car

COURTESY SGT. ROBERT FISCHER

1966 Ford, testing a new paint scheme. Northern District Car N-521

 COURTESY SGT. ROBERT FISCHER

 COURTESY SGT. ROBERT FISCHER

 ONE OF THE FIRST OF THE BLUE & WHITE COLOR SCHEME

HAS THE OLD BPD LICENSE PLATES

SHOP# 9670

COURTESY SGT. ROBERT FISCHER

1967 CHEVROLET

COURTESY JULES DENITO

 1967 Chevrolet

 Officer Jules Denito Southern District

COURTESY SGT. ROBERT FISCHER

 COURTESY SGT. ROBERT FISCHER

 1968 International Park Patrol Vehicle

 Assigned Northern District

Druid Hill Park & The Baltimore Zoo

COURTESY SGT. ROBERT FISCHER

COURTESY SGT. ROBERT FISCHER

 1967 FORD FALCON METER MAID CAR  

 1968 Chevrolet Southern District Unit, parked in the 1200 blk. of Marshall St., north of Osten St. 

"ON FOOT PATROL" flasher light on the roof used by the motorized foot officer.

Courtesy Officer John Brazil

Photo courtesy Sergeant Robert Fisher

COURTESY SGT. ROBERT FISCHER

 1969 Ford

 1968 Chevrolet Biscayne and 1970 Ford Custom

1970 FORD
SHOP# 9509

NOTE THE CHANGE OVER TO BLUE ROOF LIGHTS

Photo courtesy Bill Manzke

Baltimore City Police Community Relations "Officer Friendly Bus"

 An old used MTA bus given to the BPD and converted into a police vehicle by

 painting it with the new blue and white color scheme as used on the current fleet of vehicles.

Photo courtesy Bill Manzke 

 COURTESY SGT. ROBERT FISCHER
Sun Paper Photo  Courtesy of my future Son-in-Law Matt Zembower
In 1971 the Department started adding Shop Numbers to the Roof, or Trunk of radio/patrol cars so that "Fox" could more easily identify officers from the sky. This was for both officer safety, and to more easily combat crime; as while in the air the observer could tell specific units where suspects on the ground were hiding. 

COURTESY OFFICER W.M.HACKLEY

 1971 Ford shop # 9677 635 car Northwest District 

 COURTESY SGT. ROBERT FISCHER

1971 FORD

 1973 Plymouth Satelite TEST CARS

Officer Succumbs To Exhaust Fumes

September 1975 

Funeral services were conducted on Wednesday, September 17, 1975, for Southwestern District Officer Edward S. Sherman who died September 13, 1975, as the result of. a unique and tragic set of circumstances. Officer Sherman, 28, a 5 year veteran of the Baltimore Police Department was found unconscious in his patrol car by two fellow officers who were on routine patrol. 

The following excerpts from investigative reports shed light on what caused the officer to succumb to carbon monoxide poisoning: "At about 0718 hours this date, Officer Gary Martin and Officer R. Gooden, working 812 car, responded to the rear of Edgewood Elementary School . . . to try up same. Upon arrival, they found 811 car . . . on the rear lot with the motor running and all of the windows rolled up tight. "The car was butted against a chain link fence with a deep undergrowth (of weeds) . . . After attempting to arouse the officer by beating on the windows . . . Officer Martin broke the right front window and pulled Officer Sherman from the vehicle. While on the scene Officer Martin checked Officer Sherman's vital signs and could find none. . . " Extensive tests were made using the same automobile in an effort to ascertain exactly what caused carbon monoxide, in amounts sufficient to cause a fatality, to accumulate in the passenger area. Results of these tests pointed to three factors, which in the opinion of the experts, caused the high carbon monoxide level:

1. The patrol unit was backed to a chain link fence which was covered by a high growth of weeds. 

2. The engine of the vehicle was left running" for an extended period of time. All of the windows were closed. The heater was not in use. 

3. A small strip of rubber molding (weather stripping) underneath the trunk door near the locking mechanism was missing. (See photograph below.) 

Subsequent tests made on 1973, 1974 and 1975 model marked patrol units indicated that the absence of any of the above-listed circumstances would not have caused fatal levels of carbon monoxide to accumulate in the passenger section of these vehicles. 

Commanding officers subsequently caused an inspection of all vehicles in all districts and divisions in order to determine if the rubber molding was intact and that the rubber grommets (where appropriate) on the trunk floor were in place. Ongoing checks will continue. The rubber molding or rubber grommets can be repaired or replaced quickly in any defective Departmental vehicles. 

In order to prevent similar tragedies in the future, all motor vehicle operators are to make certain that the rear of the vehicle is clear of any obstruction when it is to be parked with the engine running. Additionally, windows should be opened as far as comfort permits whenever heaters are in use.

  BPD NEWSLETTER 

 Photo courtesy Officer Mike Caplan

  1970's Scout K9 unit

PHOTO COURTESY OFFICER MICHAEL CAPLAN

 1974 Chevrolet Malibu
Baltimore Police experimented buying former
Rent-A-Cars, as a cost-saving method, that proved unreliable.

Photo courtesy Bill Manzke

1974 Chevrolet Malibu

Photo courtesy Officer Mike Caplan

Photo courtesy Officer Mike Caplan 

 PHOTO COURTESY OFFICER MIKE CAPLAN 

 1975 Dodge Aspen
Former Rent-A-Car 

 1975 Ford Maverick
Former Rent
Rent-A-Car
Northwest District Parking Lot

COURTESY SGT. ROBERT FISCHER

 1978 FORD LTD 
SHOP# 9153

Courtesy Joe Wiczulis

In 1982 Officer Marion Wiczulis, Traffic Enforcement, in an unmarked cruiser

Courtesy Joe Wiczulis

Courtesy Joe Wiczulis

 This Traffic car was the only one in the fleet to have whitewall tires and red lights,

 Officers at the City Fair 1979

 OFFICER W.M. HACKLEY PHOTO 

 October 1, 1990. 

Motorcycle donated by the BPD to the United States Park Police Service for display in their lobby.

OFFICER W.M. HACKLEY PHOTO

 1980's AMC Concord

 AMC Concord
Pic taken by TIS Officer Scott Wills. This was Officer Wills vehicle, shop 9380, and was a TIS vehicle.
It had the red and blue grill lights, and the red flashing spot light that traffic cars had.

 1980-1984 Oldsmobile Omega

COURTESY SGT. ROBERT FISCHER 

 BALTIMORE POLICE DOOR SHIELDS

  1990'S CORVETTE

 CONFISCATED FROM A DRUG DEALER

 1990'S MOBILE COMMAND CENTER

2014
2014
Jan 2014
Jan 2014
Jan 2014 Jan 2014

 1992 FORD TAURUS

1992 Ford Taurus in the new "Baby Blue" "Powder Blue" color scheme that was begun by Commissioner Edward Woods. At the press conference, he stated that "They are the prettiest Police Cars I have ever seen" later on he said, " I just wanted to get away from the aggressive WHITE cars".

 1995 Chevrolet

1997 Ford Crown Vic Police Interceptor

PHOTO COURTESY OFFICER MIKE CAPLAN

 PHOTO COURTESY OFFICER MIKE CAPLAN

 2000 Suzuki dirt bike

2000 FORD CROWN VIC POLICE INTERCEPTOR

Mounted Unit Pickup & trailer

 2006 MINIATURE ELECTRIC CAR

HARBOR PATROL VEHICLE

This picture and below article was found on the internet by a visitor to our fair city.

One of the funniest things I saw in Baltimore was this little electric police car. Not for what it was, which is funny all by itself, but for what the Officer did with it. Now, I know plenty of big macho cops that would probably be mortified to drive this thing. I thought it was adorable. They drive these up and down the harbor pier, along sidewalks and seen here in the plaza square. Pretty easy way to get around. I saw this little thing on the street and wanted to get a photo. I had my camera out and was walking towards it when all the sudden the distracted Officer ran right into a flagpole. PING went the pole!!! What was he thinking? There were 6 huge flag poles on the corner. You can see the size of them in the photo. Did he forget they were there??? Hahahahaaaaa! Everybody who was nearby turned and looked. It took the cop a few minutes to get out and look. I don't think he wanted anyone to see him. There was a nice dent in the huge flagpole and a little scrape on the front of his little car. OMG...how embarrassing! I'm still laughing.

2000 FORD MUSTANG

2009 Jeep

Box 414 Association, a voluntary service that furnishes hot coffee, sandwiches, at large fire scenes, or any other incident that requires Police and Fire/EMS personnel on the scene for extended periods of time.

They have served a very long time in the City of Baltimore providing much-needed relief to Police, and Fire personnel they deserve a lot of credit and warm wishes from those they have served so well. Thanks, guys for a job very well done.

Baltimore, Ohio Police vehicle

City police shifting from white to black patrol cars

The 2014 Chevy - Baltimore City police car
(Courtesy of the Baltimore Police, Baltimore Sun)

Do you think Baltimore City police cars should be black or white?

Pretty soon, the city's white police cars will be a thing of the past.

The white Baltimore police patrol car — a familiar presence on city streets for decades — is slowly being phased out and replaced in a new color: black.

Over the next few months, residents can expect black-marked 2014 Chevy Caprice patrol cars cruising the streets of Baltimore. The change was requested by officers who wanted to appear more professional in updated cars.

The new cars are adorned with a blue streak that runs at an angle on both sides of the car along with a police shield and "Baltimore Police" in white lettering. Police FoxTrot helicopters and many mobile command trucks have had a similar design for more than a decade.

"It's one that we're proud of, and it's one that we think the people of Baltimore are really going to like," police spokesman Lt. Eric Kowalczyk said.

It's not the first time the department has embarked on a new color scheme. The city's police cars were black after World War II when the color was the only shade available. Since then, the cars have been black and white, and then blue and white. In the 1990s, the department planned to shift to baby blue to present a "friendlier image," but the plan was shelved two years and $2 million later.

Former Police Commissioner Edward T. Norris said he wanted to switch to black because he felt the white cars were too closely linked to, of all things, a 1970s television comedy. He also thought sleek black cars would give officers a sense of pride. The change was announced but never occurred.

The current switch is also being driven by the department's desire to boost officers' flagging morale. Less than 10 percent of Baltimore officers described morale as "good" in a department survey last year.

Commanders believe that raises approved last year, a more favorable work schedule and the new patrol cars will help change that. The cruisers also feature seats that adjust more easily and light and siren switches in more accessible locations.

The new black cars will be added to the current fleet as older vehicles are replaced, Kowalczyk said. The changeover won't cost additional money, officials said.

The department bought 30 black cars this year, and they are currently being outfitted for patrol.

Baltimore police union president Gene Ryan believes the cruisers are a big improvement. A committee of officers of various ranks picked the design, color scheme, lettering, and marking, police said.

"If you let somebody have ownership, it always boosts morale," Ryan said. "That car is their office."

It's an iconic shift for the city.

Millions of television viewers recognize Baltimore's white fleet of Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptors, Chevy Impalas and Caprices thanks to the police television drama "The Wire."

Before that, Kowalczyk noted, the 1990s TV show "Homicide: Life on the Streets," also based in Baltimore, featured different white cars from that era.

"Every design has been iconic in its own right, whether it's been seen on television shows or in the common understanding of the people of Baltimore," said Kowalczyk.

The Police Department has briefed some community groups on the change. Many have embraced it, especially if it helps officers do a better job. The city has significant problems to confront, they said, including more than 190 homicides this year.

"Times are changing. ... You're reaching into the millennial generation, and they're into a more modern and sleek look," said Joyce Green, president of the Central District Police Community Relations Council. "I want something that the officers like that they designed, and they can take pride in. And that should boost anyone's morale."

Black police cars are common in Maryland. Bel Air police are still changing over their fleet since making the shift to black in after 25 years of white cars with green lettering. Howard County police and Maryland State Police also have black vehicles. Maryland Transportation Authority police switched to black in 1988.

"The primary justification was to achieve a new distinctive look, as the agency was in transition at the time," MdTA police spokesman Sgt. Jonathan Green said.

Police cars painted primarily white or a combination of white and black have been historically associated with policing. Some research shows those schemes are the easiest to distinguish as related to law enforcement.

Researchers have also studied whether white or black-and-white cars serve as better crime deterrents than other cars in other colors, and have come to differing conclusions.

Times are changing. ... You're reaching into the millennial generation, and they're into a more modern and sleek look. - Joyce Green, president of the Central District Police Community Relations Council

A 2009 Federal Emergency Management Agency study on the visibility and conspicuousness of emergency vehicles found that "no single particular color" appeared to be the optimal choice for emergency vehicles to be seen under varying conditions.

Mark D. Thomas, professor of cognitive science at Albany State University, researched whether color made any difference as to how fast the mind recognizes a police car.

Black-and-white cars, he said, are the most recognizable police cruisers because the color pattern has been most widely used by agencies. That combination, he said, also sticks out more than other shades.

But he also found the amount of time it takes the mind to recognize black-and-white cars versus all-white cars as police vehicles is less than half a second. The amount of time it takes the mind to recognize a black car as a police vehicle is also probably negligible, he said.

He said many police agencies use either white or a combination with white as the primary color because they believe it better represents "community policing," where officers aim to be visible and easily accessible. State police agencies, whose officers roam highways, often use dark colors, he said, because troopers want to sneak up on speeding motorists.

"If [police[ want something more stealthy, black is more stealthy than white," Thomas said. "But if they want something that will be seen more, especially at night, then they want white."

Baltimore police said they don't believe they'll lose any visibility with the new design.

"I don't think there's going to be anyone mistaking them," Kowalczyk said.

Past efforts to change patrol car colors have backfired. The department dumped the baby-blue scheme partly because many officers and residents felt the cars made the police look soft.

In 2001, the department began making the change to black when then-Mayor Martin O'Malley learned of the plan, according to Norris, who was the commissioner at the time.

Norris said O'Malley, now governor, demanded the commissioner stop the changeover because he felt black would project an image of a force that was overbearing and intimidating.

O'Malley could not be reached for comment Friday.

"So I painted everything else those colors," Norris said. "The command vehicles, the helicopter, everything else."

Norris said he also ordered other changes to boost morale to make up for the pay raises he couldn't give officers. He swapped out 9 mm service weapons for more powerful .40-caliber guns and lifted a ban on the use of espantoons — the wooden nightsticks that Baltimore officers had used for generations.

"You can't pay them what they deserve, but you can give them things that will help them in their jobs," he said.

The white cars especially rankled Norris when a research firm showed him that the lettering on the side of the cars matched the font used on the credits of the "Mary Tyler Moore Show."

Black police cars, he said, would have projected a tougher image.

"I just thought it commanded more respect," Norris said.

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Copyright © 2014, The Baltimore Sun

EL 

 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.

Baltimore Has a Roistering Past

Once Known as the Wickedest City in the Country
16 September 1928
2 o’clock and all's well – all's well and Cornwallis is taken!

Long ago with a narrow dirt streets of Baltimore Town the night watch, calling the hours, notified the sleeping populates that the 13 colonies had it last achieved in the freedom for which they had struggled so long.

With the birth of the new nation was born the Baltimore Police Department and organizations which had changed with the times, but which has survived in the growing pains of the early 19th century, the era when Baltimore was known as the wickedest city in the country, the Civil War riots and the railroad strikes, until the present day witnessed a police force of 16,000 men under Commissioner Gaither.

In 1775, when open hostility against the motherland was coming to a head a volunteer organization to guard the city from male factors which established, on which every adult male inhibited capable of performing the duties of watchmen was required to serve a specific time

Shortly after Cornwallis surrendered came the first paid night watchman, as Street lamps, an in event innovation in Baltimore town, were introduced in the community. The new illumination greatly reduce the crime and the thriving town and made the task of the Constable much easier. Anything favorable must’ve been appreciated, two, four in those days a watchmen was paid 3 pounds a month, unless $15

The familiar cries of 10 o’clock and all was well, - 5 o’clock and a rainy morning, continued without variation through the days and nights when the town was growing into a city, through the years of struggle and Barbary pirates, English men of war and French privateers, until 1843, when the monotonous calls were stilled forever. In that year the custom of calling the hours was abolished when taxpayers convinced city authorities that the loud cries sole value was to thieves, burgers and rogues, who were thereby notified of the whereabouts of the Constable and so enabled to commit their crimes elsewhere with impunity.

10 years later came the first large reorganization of the department. The pay of the marshal of the police was established at $1500 a year, a Capt. receives $13 a week and a patrolman $10 a week. In those days patrol wagons were undreamed of luxuries, and the police were forced to walk their prisoners to the station houses. In many cases officers had to carry drunken or injured persons on their shoulders or requisition passing vehicles.

On one occasion a patrolman in the Southwest district with an unconscious DRUNK on his hands hailed the driver of a passing hearse and deposited his charge in the vehicle of death. Mounting the box beside the driver the patrolman started the hearse on its way to the station house. The old narrative goes on, “All went well until the drunk, awakened by the jolting, set up opened his eyes, saw what kind of equipage he was riding in, and with a yell of terror plunged through the glass sides to the street, and sobered by his unusual experience, started to run!

In 1857 Baltimore, flooded like other cities with the “Know Nothing” ideas, became known as Mob Town. In this year almost 9000 arrests were made by the small police force of that day. Fights and riots were well of common occurrence and a fire was chiefly an excuse for starting a battle. Volunteer Fire Companies answered the alarm, instead of uniting with their efforts to check the blaze, would resent rival efforts and serious fights became the companies often resulted. In place of establishing fire lines, holding back the crowds and regulating traffic at the scene of the fire as the police do today, the patrolman of the 1850s were called upon to pacify the bickering fireman or to club them into insensibility and fight the fire themselves.

Corruption and graft were right, gangs ran unchecked, and the police were handicapped in their efforts by indulging and tainted magistrates, the release prisoners on “Straw Bail” almost as fast as they were locked up. One man was arrested 147 times by a Capt. Daniel Western district and was invariably released when he came up for hearing.

With the approach of the Civil War, days the populace became more and more unruly, gangs of youths below military age abounded in East Baltimore, police of that day were hats with large plumes, dark blue single breasted coats was standing collars, and dark blue trousers.

The youth of that day took exception to this uniform, the first ever warn by Baltimore police, they greeted the officers with the following doggerel:

We like Turkeys
We like Geese
But we don’t like
The New Police

With Lincoln’s election came the secession of the South Carolina, the formation of the Confederate states of America and a practical dismemberment of the Union. Buchanan compromised and pleaded, but took no decisive steps to avert the threat of chaos. Maryland like other border States knew not where to turn. Although her sympathies were largely Southern and or tendencies were toward secession, especially after Virginia left the Union, there were enough Unionist in the state to sway public opinion like a bubble wafted a fickle breeze.

In Baltimore minor clashes between northern and southern sympathizers were frequent, but as affairs came to a crisis the city leaned more and more toward the south. On April 19, 1861, when human passions had been supremely stirred by the events of the past few months and the city was seething and rest list, about 2000 troops from Massachusetts and Pennsylvania and route the Washington DC attempted to march through the streets of town getting from one railroad to another

The Baltimore Police Department have been formed of the troop’s movement and the force, under Marshal Kane, had made special preparations to avert riots. The troops were did disembark from their 35 cars at the Old Pres. Street station and were to be transported to Camden Station by force cars. The first nine carloads made the trip through the narrow, mob crowded, cobblestone streets and arrived safely at their destination, with a re-embarked for Washington under the watchful eyes of the police.

The crowd however gained courage with numbers and at last a few leading spirits inflamed the mob to action. The horse cars were one from the sales and demolished the crowd, working furiously with crowbars and sledgehammers, pride up the rails and destroyed the tracks. The small police force was powerless to stop the riders, but when it was decided to march the remainder of the troops through the city, a police guard under Marshal Kane, and Mayor Brown and the police Commissioner was formed to protect the van’s flank and rear. 

Leading Pres. Street station the March through the shouting, hooting, milling mobs to Camden Station was begun. Almost at once the crowd began to demonstrate, pressing against the police guard and hurling stones and bricks at the soldiers. Several policemen were struck by flying missiles. Although they were not seriously injured. At President and Fawn streets, two soldiers were knocked down by stones and so severely hurt that they died afterward, and several citizens were shot. The Massachusetts troops retaliated by firing into the crowd. The troops, escorted by the police, finally reached Camden station these tumultuous days continued throughout the Civil War.

Just after the city had run the gauntlet of war, it was visited in 1868 by a devastating flood which inundated all of the lower section of the town and turn streets in the rivers houses were flooded to their second-story windows and the swift rushing water threatened destruction to many blocks of dwellings. Policemen were turned overnight in the sailors an entire force, under the direction of Commissioner James E Carr, devoted itself to rescue and relief work. Both were secured and many persons were rescued from death in the swirling currents.

Commissioner car himself narrowly escaped drowning when he fell overboard from a small boat while attempting to rescue a Negro in the second floor of a house was swept from the site of his companions by the time and was reported drowned. His death was actually published in several Baltimore papers, but almost an hour after his fall into the waters, the Commissioner, still afloat, was cited by a group of men on the corner of Fayette and Harrison streets. He was almost exhausted, but was still struggling with the waves.

One of the men says an old account recognizing the Commissioner made him the odd Fellows sign of distress and China rope around his wrists swam out into the stream while the other end of the line was held by friends the Commissioner was ill for some weeks.

In the early 1870s Negro militia companies were founded companies which had no official status, but which nevertheless paraded, uniformed and armed. Through the streets the town some of the marchers became so arrogant at this order resulting in several persons being shot and killed. The police, after troublous times, finally managed to put an end to these organizations, but no sooner were they out of the way than the unhappy officers of the law were greeted with gang wars. The Game Cocks at Thames and Bond streets, the Double Pumps at bond and Lancaster, the Canton Rackers, the Found Knockers, the Skinners, the Stay-lates, and the Fountain Rackers, all caused trouble. The martial spirit of Civil War days pervaded the city, and these gangs bought up a large quantity of drums and arranged nightly parades.

Battles quickly followed with stones and clubs at first the only weapons, as in the old days, but finally the Skinners arm themselves with the old powder pistols of the day, making of the 70s a turbulent Period. 

In 1877 came the great Baltimore and Ohio Railroad strike which lasted almost a month and door in which scores were killed and hundreds wounded.

The strike started and Cumberland Maryland and when the old six Regiment, Maryland National Guard, was order to embark for Cumberland, a crowd of strike sympathizers gathered about the armory of the Regiment at Fayette and front streets. Officers of the Regiment ask for police protection, but the mob was so great, that the few policeman available at such short notice were unable to disperse the crowd. When the troops marched from the armory, the yelling thousands pressed upon the soldiers, greeting them with taunts and curses. One away could not be cleared for the March to Camden Station and order was given to fire in the air. 

This had no effect upon the mob, which was now ready for violence, and the men were ordered to fire into the crowd. The firing was general all along the way to Camden Station, the 12 men were killed and scores wounded. The fifth Regiment reached the station without firing a shot, but one barking the crowd set fire to the station and when the firemen arrived to quench the blaze they were set upon by the rioters and would have been driven off that the police had not opportunely rescued them. While the soldiers were waiting to embark, the police frequently charged to the mob, using their Espantoons, to drive back that hooting thousands.

The situation became worse and worse, and finally a detachment of men under the command of Deputy Marshal Jacob Fray, who was guarding the station, were forced to draw their revolvers and fired into the crowd. Some eight men were killed and a large number wounded, and about 50 arrest were made.

The situation finally passed beyond police control, although several hundred special officers were sworn in, including such well-known then as C Morton Stewart, Alexander M Green, William M Pegram, and E Wyatt Blanchard. All the local militia were called out, but was unable to cope with the moms. United States regulars from New York and other points were sent to the city and to war vessels with decks cleared and ready for action anchored at the Patapsco. Patrolling the narrow cobblestone gas lit streets was no easy task in those days. Many vicious characters roam the streets and some showed little respect or fear for the law or its representatives.

One night as Sgt., while patrolling a narrow, backstreet, that a gigantic deaf and dumb Negro, who was who was wanted for an assault.

The Sgt. placed the Negro under arrest and attempted to take him to the station house, but the giant black man held both the Sergeant’s arms and pick the policeman up, threw him over his shoulder like a sack of meal, and carried him up three flights of stairs in a house in the neighborhood. They are, in the attic, the Sgt. recognized three other Negroes of desperate character, and he realized that his life was in great danger.

He told the three Negroes that if they did not help him to arrest the deaf and dumb giant he would hound them forever, if he got away alive. The three scoundrels were frightened and taking sides with the Sergeant, the four men attempted to overpower the giant. Struggling, fighting, clawing with the giant Negro uttering the weirdest cries of the Dom, the five men stumbled, fell and rolled down the steps of the house to the sidewalk, where the policeman beat his ass band tune on to the pavement for help. Eight policemen were required before the Negro finally was subdued.

In 1883 the days of walking prisoners to police stations came to an end with the first police patrol came into being. It was patterned after the wagons used in Chicago and was described as a model of convenience. According to the old account of its advantages, it can binds lightness with strength, is conspicuous by its blackbody and bright red running gear and is tastefully marked and numbered. The first police patrol was a thing of never ceasing joy to the urchins of the city, and crowds would stare after it as it rattled down the rough streets. 

To be Baltimore patrolman in the 1880s and 1890s one needed not only brains and brawn. And inmate ability to grow braggadocio mustachios or long flowing beard was almost a necessity. Policemen with faces hidden behind a mass of whiskers were the rule, not the exception. A patrolman of those days, now a Lieut. in the Northwestern district said that when he joined the force the Commissioner ask him why he didn’t grow a beard. I told him I couldn’t, said the lieutenant laughing as a fitting accompaniment to things gone and forgotten, horses, as well as whiskers, were an important part of police equipment. The one worse patrol wagon was in use first, but sometimes later it gave way to its more glorious descendent, the two wars patrol. These old wagons used to gallop at full speed over the rough cobblestone streets, the bearded character excitingly climbing his gone to warn careless pedestrians. Small boy used to gape and wonder, then as now, and follow curiously the progress of a prisoner to the station house.

For a long time said a Sgt. at the Western they would let us have tops to cover the wagons, said the tops would hide the view with the people on the streets and they were afraid the police would be the prisoner. So we as to ride around in the rain and snow until finally in 1896 I believe it was they gave us tops.

The days of the 1890s were long before that of the municipal ambulance system, consequently when injuries occurred the strong police patrol used to be pressed into service as an ambulance. A canvas like contraption suspended by springs to spare the patient the jolts caused by the rough streets was rigged between the seats in each wagon fortunately automobile accidents never occurred in those times and traffic mishaps were few and far between. Different to where the uniforms and equipment of the old-time police. Long coats that reach halfway to the knee were in style, with a three button jumper underneath. Sometimes a vest was born, but more generally under the open code only the jumper showed. The star shaped badges the old helmet which used to keep your ears warm were featured of the equipment of the day.

For a while when Col. Swan was Commissioner we were cork helmets in the summer when one the veteran. Hatched just like the white wings you know. The Commissioner had been down in Panama and he thought the helmet would be comfortable for us in the hot weather. So they were warned to but the first rain they used to melt up and change shape and droop so we got rid of them. Shortly after the installation of the old horse-drawn patrol wagon there came the installation of the box signal and call system and the patrolling of Baltimore streets and the maintenance of peace and order took another upward bound

Athletes, too, began to be recognized, and police gymnasiums were established in the various district station houses. Pictures of old-time athletes depicted brawny men with chest expanding and biceps pushed out, posing proudly, their faces obscured by the luxuriant whiskers of the day.

Active in the athletic work of those days was Capt. Charles H Claiborne, of the southern district, and besides the promoting of athletes he succeeded in the clearing out many of the crooks and gamblers and reading his section of the city of their presence. Capt. Claiborne had served as a first lieutenant in the South Carolina infantry during the Civil War, and during the bombardment of Fort Sumter by federal gunboats in 1862 he had climbed to the top of the parapet and under murderous enemy fire had nailed back to the broken staff the Confederate colors which had been torn down by a chance cannonball. 

With the beginning of the 20th century, although the police force and its methods had advanced with the times, Baltimore was still experiencing acute growing pains, and perhaps the after effects of the Spanish-American war had given a new stimulus to the gang battle prevalent all over the city, especially in the eastern section.

Gang battles were fought in back of Patterson Park and the clay hills and gullies which ran southeastward to Highland town became a veritable no man’s land. In fact the highest Clay Hill was called Bunker Hill. The Bluebirds the Canton Rackers and other gangs actually fought in some semblance of military order, and firearms were used at times by those young ruffians, although the slingshot was the most use weapon.

Some of these young gangsters later became full-fledged criminals, says an old account. One of the most dangerous bands of safe blowers that ever operated in this country made their headquarters in the 700 block of S. Caroline St. Thanks post offices and stores throughout rural Marilyn and many such places in this state and other states were burglarized by this notorious band. They recruited during young boys and train them to be finders were in the vocabulary gay. Their duties were to scout around the town or village in which the bank to be looted was located. Because of their youth they arose little if any suspicion, and then to if picked up by the police they had no criminal record. The police of Baltimore in 1904 exterminated the last of these yeggmen men having fixed headquarters here. The youngest member of that gang was only 17 years old. He died at the Carolina Street headquarters of pneumonia resulting from exposure. 

Strange and different were the scenes of those days

Patrolman taking prisoners to the station houses in their topless horse-drawn patrol would frequently have trouble with the captive and it used to be a common sight to see a prisoner vault the rail of the patrol wagon and jump into the street. The policeman would leap after him and exciting chase would begin.

Flickering gas lights lit the police stations, and silk had it, speeded and came carrying reporters lowered the languidly before the desks. One of fire alarm was sounded in the ancient apparatus started pumping down the streets, the young gentleman of the press would call a horse-drawn hack and be driven by some old Negro cavity to the scene of the conflagration.

It was not thought an incongruous spectacle is a silk had it reporter, carrying a cane, mounted the box beside the driver of the patrol wagon and accompanied the police on some of their ventures into the notorious locus point, Kaufman’s court, and Sandy bottom sections of Baltimore the Northwestern section of the city was then known as the silk stocking or fashionable district, and what is now Roland Park and Guilford was then open country. The southern and eastern parts of the city were rendezvous of the criminal, and many were the adventurous which present-day captains, and spectators and lieutenants, had while patrolling their beats in peach alley and other dangerous criminal localities 

Election days were signals for general gang fights and disorder, and wholesale arrests were made by the Police Department. Station houses were crowded overflowing by the prisoners were kept under lock and key until the polls closed, when they were set free.

Go to roamed at large over the city streets, and Baltimore, in places, resemble the goat festive islands of Malta. An ordinance passed long ago, providing that a goat roaming at large in public property, finally put an end to the animals. In 1904 came the great conflagration, a blaze was destroyed not only property but took a long with it the dreams, customs and habits of the past amid which Baltimore had lived, and created from the ashes of the dreamy city, a new town, body ideas and habits far into the old.

With the dawn of the new inventions and with the growing bustle of the 20th century commercial city the police force changed also. Soon the old uniforms, the ancient horse drone patrols and the old weapons disappeared, and there came to replace them with a high powered automobile today, the automatic pistol, teargas and all the modern inventions of a change in age. Even now the change is incomplete, and slowly fading into the past are the familiar blue coats with high standing collars which button tightly around the neck. To replace them, came they naughtier, double-breasted, rolled collar and brass buttoned blouse adopted some years ago by the Army and Navy. 

Changed to are the Department’s and the new districts. Baltimore once a town with a few volunteer night watchman, is now guarded by a paid police force of more than 1600 men and the city is divided into seven districts and bracing great areas of land.

The traffic department came into being when an air of modern transportation arrived, and even the harbor has its own police. Riot and machine guns are part of the equipment, and in this age of aviation it may not be long before Baltimore has aerial police division to direct traffic of the skies, tagging planes for various violations and maintaining the peace and order of the heavens with the same patients which marks the efforts of the watchmen and constables of the Baltimore town long ago

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.

NOTICE

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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 - Rolland Fullen

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