01 Aug

Fallen Lieutenant Martin Webb

On this day In BPD History 1 Aug 1971 we lost our Brother Lieutenant Martin Webb to a drowning, based on the following: https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/index.php/en/component/k2/item/796-lieutenant-martin-e-webb #‎BPDNeverForget‬

01 Aug

Fallen Detective Sergeant Frank W. Grunder, Jr.

On this day in BPD History 1 Aug 1974, we lost our Brother Detective Sergeant Frank W. Grunder, Jr. to gunfire based on the following. https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/index.php/en/component/k2/item/930-detective-sergeant-frank-w-grunder-jr #‎BPDNeverForget‬

01 Aug

Mounted Unit Horse Dies in the Line of Duty

Today in the Baltimore Police History 1 Aug 1990 we lost one of our horses in the line of duty based on the following - https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/en/bpd-units/mounted-unit.html #BPD_History

01 Aug

Fallen Officer - Officer James L. Scholl

On this day in Baltimore City Police History 1 August 1953 - We lost our Brother Police Sgt. James L. Scholl to gunfire based on the following.

https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/index.php/en/component/k2/item/829-sergeant-james-l-scholl #‎BPDNeverForget ‬

02 Aug

Fallen Patrolman Irvin E Martz

On this day in Baltimore Police History 2 Aug 1925 we lost our Brother Patrolman Irvin E Martz to an on the job illness To learn more please visit the following https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/en/item/1107-patrolman-irvin-e-martz.html #‎BPDNeverForget‬

04 Aug

Fallen Officer Charles M. Hilbert

On this day in Baltimore Police History 4 August 1950 we lost our Brother Police Officer Charles M. Hilbert. in the line of duty based on the following https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/index.php/en/component/k2/item/943-police-officer-charles-m-hilbert #‎BPDNeverForget‬

04 Aug

Mounted Unit Horse Dies in the Line of Duty

Today in Baltimore Police History 4 Aug 1994, one of our horses from the mounted unit was killed in the line of duty based on the following-

A horse being ridden by a police officer was killed when the animal struck a car parked on an East Baltimore street as the officer tried to join a nearby foot chase.

The officer, who was riding the 14·year-old American quarter horse called Bozman. was thrown from his mount and tumbled over the four-door Toyota Lexus, but he was not seriously injured.

The accident scene In the 1000 block of N. Patterson Park Ave. near East Chase Street. drew dozens of officers and commanders, including at least five other others in the mounted unit.

'It is an excellent unit: said Lt.

John D. Smith, who oversees the 21 officers and 22 horses, which are concentrating on high-crime areas because of their Increased visibility. 'A lot of them are a little shaken up.'

Police said the accident occurred about 11:40 a.m. when three mounted officers riding north on North Patterson Park Avenue were trying to join other officers chasing two men who had just broken into a house a block away.

As they approached the Toyota, two officers went around to the left, and Officer Lloyd Caster. 43. a 22-year veteran tried to ride to the right by having his horse step up on the curb and onto a strip of grass. 'For whatever reason, the horse lost its balance and struck the rear of the vehicle,' said Officer Robert W. Weinhold Jr., a police spokesman.

The spokesman said the horse, which had been with the police department for a year, died at the scene. Officers arrested the fleeing men. The horse's body was taken to a company called Valley Protein In Curtis Bay, which will ship the carcass out of state and process it into poultry feed. Said Neil Gagnon, the general manager

'It's not a real rosy ending for an animal such as this.' Mr. Gagnon said. 'I don't know why the city didn't buy It .'

Officer Caster was treated for a shoulder injury at Johns Hopkins Hospital and released
'The horse is your partner,' said Officer Therman Reed, who had a horse die in the line of duty 1990. 'it's like you just lost your best friend.'

'It's kind of hard to explain.'

#BPD_History

04 Aug

Patrolman Henry Schaper

On this day in Baltimore Police History 4 Aug 1877, we lost our Brother Patrolman Henry Schaper in the line of duty based on the following https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/en/item/1097-patrolman-henry-schaper.html #‎BPDNeverForget‬

04 Aug

Coast Guard Birthday

The United States Coast Guard celebrates its birthday today. The Coast Guard was created on August 4, 1790, when the first Congress authorized Secretary of Treasury Alexander Hamilton to construct ten vessels, known as “revenue cutters,” to combat smuggling and enforce tariff laws.

05 Aug

Fallen Officer William F. Doehler

On this day in Baltimore City Police History 5 Aug 1927, we lost our Brother Police Officer William F. Doehler in the line of duty based on the following https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/index.php/en/component/k2/item/913-officer-william-f-doehler #‎BPDNeverForget‬

06 Aug

First Unit Citation

A new meritorious service award, conceived and authorized by Commissioner Frank J. Battaglia, was issued for the first time by the Commissioner during ceremonies following graduation exercises last week (6 August 1982.) The Narcotics Task Force of the Criminal Investigation Division's Vice Section, was singled out to receive the

Department's first 'Unit Citation'.

The Unit Citation is intended to commend extraordinary law enforcement performance, attention to duty, or contributions to this agency or to the general welfare of the citizens of Baltimore. Any bureau, division, district, section, subdivision, unit, or squad of members of the Department is eligible for the Unit Citation. The criteria for this award is the same as the 'Regular Commendation' when a group effort is recognized.

The Narcotics Task Force was singled out for its remarkable performance during the past several months.

Moments after taking his Oath of Office on September 1, 1981, Commissioner Battaglia pledged to intensify the Department's effort to combat illegal narcotics activity. As a result, The Narcotics Task Force was created on September 14, 1981. Officers from the Criminal Investigation Division, the nine Police Districts and the Tactical Section, came together in a coordinated effort to impact upon illicit drug trafficking in Baltimore.

The Task Force has attacked the narcotics problem on three levels. First, the Task Force has increased efforts to seek out and arrest street level dealers. Secondly, detectives have successfully conducted investigations to reach into the centers of the organizations which bring narcotics into the area. Just one of these investigations recently resulted in the elimination of the largest heroin organization in the history of the city. Finally, the Task Force has reached into the community to offer information and assistance to parents who believe that narcotics have invaded their households.

During the past 10 months the Narcotics Task Force has accounted for more than 1900 drug related arrests resulting in more than 4100 narcotics charges. In addition, they have seized more than 450 firearms and nearly 200 other deadly weapons that could have been turned-on law-abiding citizens.

Aggressive enforcement, combined with treatment and prevention pro• grams, has had a positive impact on the drug problem. Commissioner Battaglia has credited the work of the Task Force with helping in the reduction of serious crimes in 1982. The work of the Task Force has also received consider+ able media attention reflecting positively on the Department.

Lieutenant Joseph P. Newman, Officer-in-Charge of the Criminal investigation Division Vice Section received the Unit Citation from Commissioner Battaglia. In addition, each member of the Task Force will receive a ribbon from the Police Commissioner to commemorate the event.

The members of the Narcotics Task Force are:

Lieutenant Joseph P. Newman
Sergeant Michael J. Andrew
Sergeant Hezekiah Bunch
Sergeant Gary T, Childs
Sergeant Ralph G. Clements
Sergeant James, H. Comega
Sergeant Gary E. Martin
Sergeant Robert Rabold
Sergeant Joseph Schanken
Sergeant Robert Schmelz
Sergeant Robert P. Sharp
Agent Robert D. DeAngelia
Agent Johnny W. Fisher
Agent Robert K. Jud
Agent Edward C. Koluch
Agent Albert M. Marcus, Sr.
Agent Romon C. Stelmach
Officer Gerald Armiger
Officer Carolyn 5. Butler
Officer Anthony G. Cannavale
Officer Lloyd G. Caster
Officer Michael G. Crutchfield
Officer Christine M. Davis
Officer Harry E. DeLair, Jr.
Officer John D. Evans
Officer Gary J. Fischer
Officer Fred R. Fitch
Officer Mark F. German
Officer Joseph T. Goldberg
Officer David H. Hollingsworth
Officer Arlene K. Jenkins
Officer William Lansey, Jr.
Officer Donald F. Licato
Officer Darryl Massey
Officer Brian May
Officer Rodell W. Meachem
Officer Paul S. Miller
Officer Tony C. Restivo
Officer Walter R. Roberts
Officer Russell N. Shea, Jr.
Officer Charles E. Smith
Officer Robert Smith, Jr.
Officer Daniel G. Steen
Officer Marvin E. Syndor
Officer Ronald J. Townsend
Officer Mark L. Tomlin
Officer Melvin L. Utz
Officer Marcellus Ward
Officer David E. Webb
Officer James J. Welsh
Officer John M. Wheeler
Officer David L. Williams

https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/en/component/k2/item/724-unit-citation.html

06 Aug

Baltimore Bank Riots

6 thru 9 Aug 1835, Baltimore mobs rioted following months of inaction in wake of Bank of Maryland's closure and damaged houses of bank directors and Mayor Jesse Hunt, among others.

The Baltimore bank riot of 1835 in the major port city of Maryland was a violent reaction to the failure of the Bank of Maryland in 1834. Thousands of citizens had lost millions of dollars in savings. The riot, which lasted from 6 to 9 August, attacked the homes and property of a number of former directors of the bank, who had been accused of financial misconduct and fraud, as well as the federal district courthouse located on Battle Monument Square. The Baltimore bank riot was one of the most violent and destructive events of civic unrest in any American city prior to the Civil War.

Rioters destroyed many of the homes of the city's wealthiest and most prominent citizens, and much valuable property was smashed or burned, but was later restored. The authorities were unable to control the violence and effectively surrendered the city to the mob, which was actively or passively supported by numerous bystanders. The state of Maryland later paid $100,000 in compensation to persons who had lost property in the rioting.

07 Aug

Central Records was Initiated

Today in Baltimore Police History 7 Aug 1951 - Central Records was Established. https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/en/bpd-units/records.html #BPDhistory

08 Aug

Baltimore's Birthday 8 August 1729

Today in Baltimore City History 8 Aug 1729, Legislature created Baltimore Town, (Happy Birthday Baltimore) It was the start of a system of preservation for peace of what would later become the start of our police as with the intent to protect people and property, there was a power of arrest for any of the town's offenders. Keeping the peace, with law an order had been a goal of Baltimore residents since the town was formed.

To put things into perspective, The Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress of the United States of America, on 4 July, 1776, (that was 47, nearly 50 years, after Baltimore Town and its system of policing was established) in 1776 it was announced that the thirteen American colonies, then at war with Great Britain, regarding ourselves as thirteen newly independent sovereign states, and no longer a part of the British Empire.
1775 the year before the Declaration of Independence was signed, Baltimore would start what would become 9 years of haphazard policing in this new 'Baltimore Town'. Mistakes were made, but from those mistakes we learned, and in 1784 'Baltimore Town', also known as 'Mob Town' decided to form the first of its paid 'Watch' (that's right prior to this time, police were not paid, in fact, some were forced to take their turn). Anyway, it was the year 1784, in which the Watchmen could be fired, or otherwise penalized, for any neglect they may have had in their duty.

The first attempts to form a Nightwatch had male inhabitant capable of duty sign an agreement, in which they swore to conform to police regulations adopted by the citizens, and sanctioned by the Board of Commissioners. In short, the agreed to show up when summoned and to serve as night watchmen for the city. This committee had some of the functions of the 1888 Board of Police Commissioners. (The town was divided into Districts, and in each of these was stationed a company commanded by a Captain of the Nightwatch.
In 1776 the first Captains of Baltimore's police were Captain James Calhoun, he was in charge of the First district; then called the Middle District or what we know of today as the Central District. Captain George Woolsey, headed the Second District. Captain Benjamin Griffith, Third District. Captain Barnard Eichelberger, the Fourth District; Captain George Lindenberger, the Fifth District; and Captain William Goodwin, of the Sixth District. At Fell's Point, Captain Isaac Yanbidder, with two assistants, (Lieutenants). Each Captain had under his command a squad of sixteen men, every inhabitant being enrolled, and taking his turn.

The streets were patrolled by Watchmen from 10 pm. until daybreak. As a side note: Baltimore Town and its police department no matter how crudely formed at the time, came 100 years before the 'London Metropolitan Police Department' was founded by Sir Robert Peel in 1829. As a side note, to this side note: Sir Robert Peel aka Bobby Peel is widely believed to be where the nickname of the police helmet 'Bobby Cap' came from, upon founding the London Metropolitan Police Department, officers were quickly called Bobby Cops, or Bobbies, likewise their hats, 'Bobby Caps'
https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/en/bpd-units/item/673-history-of-baltimore-city.html #BPDhistory

10 Aug

Marine Unit is Officially Formed

Today in Baltimore Police History 10 Aug 1891 the Marine unit is officially formed. While the department protected the waters from 1860, until the present, it was protected by the Southern, Central and Eastern Districts, using rented rowboats. Southern rented one, Central a second, and Eastern a third and fourth. It wasn't until today 1891 that the department shut down the district's patrols of the harbor and formed our Marine unit. Oddly enough when we were told by State legislation that we had to protect these waters, in 1860, they didn't give us the funds needed for a boat, it would take 31 years when in 1891 we built and launched the Lannan, our first steel boat. This system went on for more than 30 years before we would start our Marine unit which had been running for more than 125 years. Visit this page to learn more

https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/en/bpd-units/marine-unit.html

10 Aug

Ret. Det Kenny Driscoll was Paralyzed on this day 2001

On this date, 10 August 2001, while working as a detective for the Baltimore Police Department, I fell 40 feet head-first into a ravine; as a result, I was paralyzed. Eventually, the initial diagnosis of monoplegia was modified to hemiplegia. Basically, I got a little bo-bo. If you are going to be hurt, getting hurt while doing something you enjoy may not make it better, but it surely does not make it worse!

https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/en/component/content/article/550-driscoll #BPD_History

12 Aug

Retired Officer Mike Cichowicz

Today in Baltimore Police History 12 Aug 2020 our Brother Retired Police Officer Mike Cichowicz passed away. Mike passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 57. Many of us had the pleasure of working with Mike at the Central, or Southern districts. Others may have known him from his service with Maryland Capitol Police. Take time to think of Mike by visiting this page. May he always be remembered as he continues to Rest in Peace. #‎BPDNeverForget‬

https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/en/mike-cichowicz

14 Aug

Injured - Detective Thomas F. Hogan

Today in Baltimore City Police History 14 Aug 1890 our Brother Detective Thomas F. Hogan was injured in the line of duty. #BPD_History

14 Aug

Marshal Carter Appointed on this day in 1914

Today in Baltimore Police History 14 Aug 1914 we got a new Marshal - Robert D Carter was appointed Marshal he would remain the department's Marshal until 1917 when Baltimore Police stopped using Marshals, making Marshal Carter Baltimore's last Marshal.https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/en/k2/marshal-robert-carter.html #BPD_History

15 Aug

Fallen Officer Milton I. Spell

On this day in Baltimore Police History 15 August 1974, we lost our Brother Police Officer Milton I. Spell in the line of duty based on the following https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/index.php/en/component/k2/item/820-officer-milton-spell #‎BPDNeverForget‬

William Bertazon said he was working ED 333 post and Milton was working 332 on the 4x12 shift. He and Officer Spell were talking while working and Federal St. when He [P/O Bertazon] received a 'Holding a shoplifter call at the A&P' on Edison Hwy. he responded to the call and left Milton there. The rest is History, but P/O Bertazon was left to wonder if I had waited just 5 minutes might Milton be alive today. This is something Officer Bertazon should not have to carry, the past is the past no matter how much we sometimes wish we could change it.

17 Aug

Fallen Officer John J. Burns

On this day in Baltimore City Police History, 17 August 1945 - We lost our Brother Police Officer John J. Burns suddenly at the rifle range of the Baltimore Police Department based on the following.

https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/index.php/en/component/k2/item/778-detective-john-j-burns #‎BPDNeverForget ‬

17 Aug

Fallen Lieutenant Richard Chanowith

On this day in Baltimore Police History 17 Aug 1870, we lost our Brother Lieutenant Richard Chanowith in the line of duty based on the following https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/en/component/k2/item/1095-lieutenant-richard-chanowith.html #‎BPDNeverForget‬

18 Aug

Fallen Patrolman John Christopher

On this day in Baltimore Police History 18 August 1872 we lost our Brother, Patrolman John Christopher. To gunfire based on the following: https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/index.php/en/component/k2/item/986-patrolman-john-christopher #‎BPDNeverForget‬

19 Aug

Fallen Officer William D. Albers

On this day in Baltimore Police History 19 Aug 1979, we lost our Brother Police Officer William D. Albers to gunfire based on the following; https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/index.php/en/component/k2/item/706-william-d-albers #‎BPDNeverForget‬

21 Aug

Shotguns put in patrol cars for first time on this day in 1937

1937- 21 Aug 1937 - Shotguns were first put in radio patrol cars in 1937 the shotgun used at the time was the Winchester 1897. They only had 47 radio cars city wide at the time, training for the shotgun was done at Saunders Range in Glen Burnie. If officers couldn't qualify, they would be sent back to foot patrol and someone else would be given a chance. Training for this began on 21 Aug 1937

21 Aug

Entire Department Forced to Re-Take Oath

Today Baltimore Police History 21 Aug 1902, the entire department was forced to re-take their oath of office, as prior to this day, they had improperly and illegally been sworn, and had been improperly sworn for 35 years

http://www.baltimorepolicemuseum.org/images/The_Baltimore_Sun_Thu_Aug_21_1902.jpg #BPD_History

21 Aug

Fallen Officer John C Williams

On this day in Baltimore police history 21 Aug 1967, we lost our brother police Officer John C Williams in the line of duty. https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/index.php/en/component/k2/item/790-officer-williams-john-c #‎BPDNeverForget‬

22 Aug

Fallen Officer Crystal Deneen Sheffield

On this day in Baltimore police history 22 Aug 2002, we lost our Sister Police Officer Crystal Deneen Sheffield in the line of duty. https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/index.php/en/component/k2/item/825-crystal-d-sheffield #‎BPDNeverForget‬

23 Aug

BPD - Gun Buyback

1974 - Baltimore ran this country's first Gun Buyback program (then called a Gun Bounty) was held on this day 23 August 1974. The idea came to Police Commissioner Pomerleau as he stood graveside to Officer Milton Spell who was shot and killed in the line of duty on 15 August 1974. PC Pomerleau offered $30 for surrendered guns. The surprisingly huge response, more like a metallic flood, to the Commissioner's offer for guns was an indication of how many weapons were and still are at large in the community, each with its crime and possible death potential. Budget considerations rather quickly have required the Police Department to eliminate rifles and shotguns from its bounty program and to limit its offer to city residents. The program would last nearly a month - The city Gun Bounty program (as it was known) was being declared a success by police spokesmen, but criminologists challenge that appraisal because the program has not been in effect long enough to produce solid evidence, and they insisted that only strong federal gun control measures can significantly limit the availability of firearms. There have been a number of gun bounty, buyback programs since, some sponsored by the Baltimore Housing Authority, The Police Department, Area Churches, and the Occasionally Private Individual/Politician. A buyback in West Baltimore once recovered 750 guns in one day, and another in June of 2005 recovered hundreds more along with several high-powered assault weapons.' If only the city would have been more proactive instead of reactive, we might not have had as many police funerals to attend.

http://baltimorecitypolicehistory.com #BPD_History

For two months in 1974, the Baltimore City Police Department ran what is believed to have been the first gun buyback program in the U.S. Police commissioner Donald Pomerleau, not known as an advocate for strict gun control, reportedly came up with the idea while at a funeral for an officer who was shot in the line of duty. Operation PASS (People Against Senseless Shootings) paid a $50 'bounty' for surrendered guns and $100 for tips leading to the confiscation of illegal guns. Some bounty seekers attempted to game the system by buying cheap, new guns that retailed for $21.95 and then trying to turn them in. In all, the police collected 13,500 firearms - mostly handguns - at a cost of over $660,000. However, the city's already high gun homicide and assault rates actually increased during the program, for which police officials offered no explanation.

24 Aug

Honorary Police Officer Simon Fried

On this day in BPD History 24 Aug 1946 our Brother Honorary Police Officer Simon Fried, a tailor from the 100 block Aisquith street, would be shot and seriously wounded by an assailant that resisted the arrest of Patrolman Edwin J. Humphries shooting officer Humphries in the process. In the incident Fried was shot and paralyzed while saving the life of Officer Humphries. It would take 20 years but on 14 February 1966 Mr Fried would succumb to those injuries.

https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/index.php/en/component/k2/item/924-honorary-policeman-simon-fried

25 Aug

Jesse James Once Lived in Baltimore

25 Aug 1929 The Baltimore Sun ran an article about Jesse James Once Living in Baltimore. He stayed here more than once as did other well-known western characters from American history. Doc Holiday for one was trained as a dentist here in Baltimore at the University of Maryland Dental School. Getting back to the James Boys, it seemed when things got hot, they found their way to Baltimore where Jesse stayed under his alias Thomas Howard. Neighbors said he was a calm easy-going man. Approx. 1879 at the end of what was known as the “Serious Seventies” Baltimore was a quiet town. It had cobble stone streets for which barouches and other such vehicles of the time bumped and clattered their way over. The population at the time was only made up of 330.000 and city government only collected about $4 million a year in taxes. The mayor at the time was Ferdinand Latrobe who began his career as mayor and continued the position for seven terms. The Northern boundary of the city was North Ave. and its intersection with Madison Ave.

https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/en/component/k2/item/1091-jessie-james.html

26 Aug

Arrest made in Weitzel ice pick stabbing

On this day 26 Aug 1932 Baltimore Police make an arrest for the ice pick stabbing, and then shooting of Patrolman Edward Weitzel

After a search of more than nine months the arrest of Hubert Austin, 20, in a house in the 900 block of Brevard Street was made. Austin was booked at Central District Police Station on charges of stabbing then shooting Patrolman Edward Weitzel in a backyard in the 1700 block of Charles St., November 20th, 1931.
Patrolman Weitzel and two plainclothes patrolmen went to the house Austin was staying at yesterday afternoon armed with information that the suspect was there after having been away from the city for some time.
On the day of the attack, Weitzel was patrolling and his post when he noticed that the suspect was in the vicinity of Hargrove Alley and Lanvale Street with a large bundle of clothes under his arm. Austin admitted the clothes had been stolen and offered to take the officer to the place from which he obtained them.
When they reached the yard the suspect threw the clothes in the officer’s face and attacked him with an ice pick, stabbing him in the side but the ice pick was prevented from going in too deep by a web of ammo on the officers belt. The suspect gained possession of Weitzel’s pistol and fired a shot through the officer’s hand. He backed out of the gate, firing several more shots one of which stuck the officer in his side.

https://history23.bcpserver.com/component/content/article/79-sgt-edward-thomas-weitzel

29 Aug

Fallen Officer Alonzo B. Bishop

On this day in Baltimore City Police History 29 Aug 1899 we lost our brother Police Officer Alonzo B. Bishop to the departments first ever traffic-related death https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/index.php/en/component/k2/item/48-officer-alonzo-b-bishop #‎BPDNeverForget

29 Aug

Fallen Officer Forrest 'Dino' Taylor

On this day in Baltimore City Police History 29 Aug 2012, we lost our brother Officer Forrest 'Dino' Taylor due to a traffic accident. Oddly enough also on this day 1899, we lost a Brother; Officer Alonzo Bishop, Officer Bishop was our Department’s first traffic-related LOD death; https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/index.php/en/component/k2/item/807-officer-forrest-dino-taylor #‎BPDNeverForget‬

30 Aug

Injured Officer David S. Garayoa

Officer David S. Garayoa - P/O Garayoa of the Southern District, was shot on August 30, 1979

30 Aug

Shannon Driscoll-McNey's Birthday

30 Aug

Our Anniversary

Patty and my anniversary since 1984