Safe Driving Award

Dignity 21 July 2018 Hits: 1450

Safe Driving awards, given out in 5 year intervals for having no non-preventable accidents.

Safe Driving Award

5 Year

10 Year

15 Year

20 Year

Safe Driving Awards were presented to encourage safe driving, they were at one time given out every year that an officer went without having an accident. Then they stopped giving them out, apparently there came a time when they felt it might be a good idea to bring them back, but they did with a slight change, instead of every year, they started giving them out in five year blocks, a 5, a 10, a 15, 20 and 25 year on was made, above is a 5 year pin, the 10 year on has a silver star in it's center, followed by he 15 with 2 stars, 20 with 3 stars and 25 with 4 stars

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.

Devider color with motto

NOTICE

How to Dispose of Old Police Items

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

Baltimore Police History

Historical Events Calendar

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01 Apr

Bobby Lee's birthday
Bobby Lee's birthday
02 Apr

Today is Autism awareness day
Today is Autism awareness day
Autism is seen as a different way of thinking. If we picture people as computers, autistic individuals have one-of-a-kind operating systems that enable them to process life and experience the world differently from the rest of our human population.
03 Apr

City Council passed 1st ordinance affecting the police
3 April 1797 - the City Council passed the first ordinance affecting the police. It directed that three persons were to be appointed Commissioners of the watch. They could employ for one year as many Captains and watchmen as had been employed in the night watch the year past for the same remuneration. The Commissioners prescribed regulations and hours of duty for the police.
04 Apr

Inauguration of the Accident Investigation Bureau
Today in Baltimore Police History 4 April 1938 - was the inauguration of the Accident Investigation Bureau. https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/en/bpd-units/t-i-s.html #BPD_History
04 Apr

Fallen Officer James Joyce
On this day in Baltimore Police History, 4 April 1949, we lost our brother Police Officer James Joyce to an auto accident based on the following; https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/index.php/en/component/k2/item/948-officer-james-joyce #‎BPDNeverForget
04 Apr

5th. ISSUE Badge
5th. ISSUE
4 April 1976: Badge currently worn by Baltimore Police Officers With exception to the Series 2 badge, the word Baltimore did not appear on any official Police badges. The Series 5 badge is similar to the Series 4 supervisor badge with a new center seal that is the same as worn on the patch. Police officers and supervisors wear the same badge, with the ribbon in the eagle's beak denoting the rank. Lieutenants and above wear the same badge, which is gold in color.

The 5th issue badge that is currently worn by BCPD was designed by Robert DiStefano, now a retired BPD Major. He made the drawings that were submitted to the committee for approval and subsequently to the manufacturer.

Police Commissioner Donald D. Pomerleau was given two designs that he had drawn, one of which was more of an oval badge and the other of which he personally liked. He designed the current badge to be somewhat 'different' than the classic 'Eagle on Shield' design.

He says he purposely made the eagle's wings too high in proportion and squared them off, sort of boxy. He wanted the committee to pick the oval; he lost!

Police Commissioner Pomerleau likes the 'traditional' 'Eagle on the Shield.' That's how we lost a really nice-looking, more modern badge. He says that the chosen design grew on him!

He also worked on the design team that did the departmental sword. Along with Sergeant Bill Stone, he worked on the etchings for the blade. He was in Colonel Karner's office when he met with representatives of Wilkinson Sword. He has sword No. 4 (April 1976). Issue badge came along and is the badge currently worn by Baltimore Police Officers to this day. With exception to the 2nd Issue badge, the word Baltimore did not appear on any other official Police badge. The 5th Issue badge is similar to the 4th Issue 'Supervisor's' badge with a new center seal that is the same as worn on the large shoulder patch and considered our official department emblem.
05 Apr

Retroactive Citation of Valor program
Today in Baltimore Police History 2013 - 5 April 2013 'Retroactive Citation of Valor' program is started and approved; Commissioner Batts listened to the concept submitted by Mrs. Patricia Driscoll, MD Adopt-a-Cop DBA Disabled American Law Enforcement (D.A.L.E.) to allow disabled officers that were permanently disabled in the line of duty, to apply for the 'Citation of Valor'. This is done through Mrs. Driscoll’s Adopt a Cop (D.A.L.E.) program, and can be submitted to her either by the officer, another officer with information on the case, or the officer’s family. Mrs. Driscoll began working o this program back in 2004/05 and after many attempts, and a lot of hard work; she finally got her program through. To date three officers’ names have been submitted. and approved they are… 1st Ret. Det. Kenneth Driscoll awarded 5 April 2013 for injuries sustained 10 Aug 2001, 2nd to receive the award is Ret. Officer Gary Lapchak awarded on 3 Feb 2014 for injuries sustained 28 Oct 1997 and 3rd awarded this award is Ret Officer Daryl Buhrman he also received his on 3 Feb 2014 for injuries sustained 8 Feb 1981 - Mrs. Driscoll is thankful to Commissioner Batts, Sgt. Stephanie Lansey, Officer Robert Brown and several others. Anyone wishing to submit an officer for this award we are requesting you write me at Kenny@BaltimoreCityPoliceHistory.com or Patty at Patty@BaltimoreCityPoliceHistory.com
05 Apr

Mom's Birthday
Mom's Birthday
06 Apr

1968 Baltimore Riots
Today in Baltimore Police History 6 April 1968, was the start of the Baltimore Riot - https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/en/our-police/1968-riots.html #BPD_History
06 Apr

Fallen Patrolman Norman Buchman
On this day in Baltimore Police History 6 April 1973 we lost our brother Patrolman Norman Buchman of the Northwest District to gunfire based on the following; https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/index.php/en/component/k2/item/776-officer-norman-f-buchman ‎#BPDNeverForget
07 Apr

My Birthday
My Birthday
07 Apr

Ret Lieutenant Joe Peters
Today in Baltimore Police History 2017 we lost our Brother, Ret Lieutenant Joe Peters - He will be missed but never forgotten. as we take a minute to think of and remember our friend and brother we ask that God continue to bless him and allow him to rest in peace
07 Apr

Fallen Officer Henry Smith Jr.
On this day in Baltimore Police History 7 April 1962 we lost our brother Police Officer Henry Smith Jr. to gunfire based on the following: https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/index.php/en/component/k2/item/822-officer-henry-smith-jr #BPDNeverForget‬
07 Apr

Central Records Bureau was Established
Today in BPD history 7 April 1951 - Central Records Bureau was Established, for more information click this link https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/en/bpd-units/records.html #BPD_History
07 Apr

John Prine Passed away
Today 7 April 2020 we lost one of our greatest folk singers, when John Prine died from Covid-19. He will be missed, but never forgotten.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
This picture was when John Played Baltimore. We had written him a few times before the show, and during the show it seemed he was talking to us from stage, we figured it was just the way things go, good performers make it seem like they are talking to everyone, then after the show two of the employees from the Meyerhoff came to us and said, 'Mr. Prine wanted us to come get you and take you back stage,' we hung backstage for about 45 minutes to an hour talking with him. he seemed interested in my police career, and how I was injured, most of it seemed as if he already knew what happened but was clearing up a couple things about the falls. He signed our ticket stubs, but that was all we had to sign. He took a pic with us, and a few days later we received a signed picture of him in the mail. He was telling stories about a brother of his that was a Sergeant for the police department in his hometown. It was Patty's birthday, one she will never forget. Talking to him was like talking to an old friend. BTW, It was easy for him to recognize us from stage because the Meyerhoff only had a few wheelchair sections at the time 2007 and a long hair guy in a wheelchair sitting next to a pretty girl musta stood out even from that distance. Anyway it was a great night, John was awesome, and will be missed by so many..
08 Apr

Police Suicide - Agent Peter J. Vasiliou
Agent Peter J. Vasiliou - Southeast police officer is an apparent suicide
Agent Peter J. Vasiliou Southeast police officer is an apparent suicide on 8 April 1987 - A Baltimore police officer from the Southeastern District, described as a man who had 'everything going for him,' was found dead in his bed yesterday, the victim of an apparent suicide. City Police Agent Peter J. Vasiliou had seven years on the force, and during those years was commended for his police work as well as his fundraising for the Ronald McDonald House. 'He was a helluva cop. Right here on my desk in front of me is his record. An award from the American Legion Post 95 in East Baltimore runner-up for the Policeman of the Year award by the Highlandtown Exchange Club, and a nomination for 1987 [Evening Sun] Policeman of the Year,' Lt: Col. Joseph R. Bolesta said yesterday. The police agent – a special designation for college-educated officers was found dead in his apartment In the 1700 block of Elrino Street yesterday morning by his roommate, Officer Jonathan Sheehan, 44, of the Eastern District. Agent Vaslliou was lying on the bed with his .38 caliber service revolver lying nearby. He had been shot once in the right side of the head, according to Agent Arlene Jenkins, a police spokeswoman. The police officer would have been 31 the following week. No note was found and everyone who knew him seemed stunned 'This is a real shock. It doesn't make sense.... He seemed to like his job. He talked a lot about the street. We have other police offices here and they all talk about everything they have to deal with on the street,' said Keith Gugliotta owner of the Total You Fitness Center in Dundalk, where Agent Vasiliou lifted weights. He was last seen alive at the club about 9:15 p.m. Tuesday. Ann Elkenberg, a spokeswoman for the Ronald McDonald House in East Baltimore, praised him for being 'truly Interested In the house, a very friendly man. The McDonald House provides out-of-town parents of seriously ill children with a place to stay while their children are hospitalized here. Agent Vasiliou had been on medical leave for a back Injury he suffered in an off-duty car accident' March 27, 1987 according to Lt. Michael, Bass, another police spokesman.
08 Apr

Re-appointment of Sgt. Philip Flood
On 8 April 1898 the Baltimore Sun reported the re-appointment Sgt. Henry Shoemack and Patrolman S. J. D. Wilson, Andrew Jemison and James McGeeney, of the Central District, Sgt. Philip Flood and Patrolman Lewis of the Southern District; Patrolman John Nix and George and Kissner, of the Eastern District; Patrolman Matthews, and Edwin M. Taylor of the Northeast District, and Patrolman Joseph Brummer, of the Western District.

https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/en/bpd-units/item/1018-patrolman-thomas-norton-sergeant-philip-j-flood.html
09 Apr

Serious Injury / Shooting
Today in BPD History 9 April 1887, while on duty Patrolman James M. Moore was shot several times by a crazed drunken man. He was blinded in one eye from one shot, and received a second round which lodged near his heart; that second round was left resting in such a position that doctors couldn't safely attempt to remove it.
The Patrolman was injured to a degree that he would be placed on a medical retirement. He would continue living his life for 43 years until one Friday night in July of 1929 when his life was cut short due to complication caused by that bullet. In 1887 the newspapers had sensationalized the shooting as they hailed the Patrolman a hero. They said this because after being shot in such a way as to take away his vision from one eye, and leave a bullet near his heart, the Patrolman continued to fight until he was able to take the suspect into custody, arrest him, and then attend court to prosecute and convict the offender.
This post is not as much about the death of Patrolman Moore as it is about his survival, we would like to remind readers that 1887 was only a few years after Baltimore Police began using the patrol wagons, and call boxes. He had no radio to call for help, yet we can be sure that when other officers heard the shots being fired, they were headed in his direction. We cannot ignore the strength, and courage of the officers of those times, the times before, and the times since. Not just Patrolman Moore, but of every officer before, during and since that has faced similar circumstances while serving the city as a police officer with intent on keeping the peace.
God bless our Police, and may Patrolman Moore continue to rest in peace
https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/en/component/k2/item/972-patrolman-james-m-moore.html
10 Apr

Sgt Moog, Sun Paper Article 10 April 1925
Today in BPD history 10 April 1925, Sgt James Moog does in interview with the Baltimore Sun in which he said the following.

“Motorcycles are faster than horses,” said Sgt. Moog, continuing, “They have a few other advantages too… but horses are bound to remain in use by the Police Department for many years to come.” This prediction was the opinion of Sgt James Moog, who at the time of this statement, 10 April 1925, was 80 years of age, and had already served 45 years with the Baltimore Police Department. Sgt Moog helped to build the mounted unit in 1888.

See the article here, then following the second link to learn more about Sgt Moog

http://www.baltimorepolicemuseum.org/images/The_Evening_Sun_Fri__Apr_10__1925_.jpg

https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/index.php/en/component/k2/item/75-sergeant-james-robert-moog
14 Apr

Service Stripes Permitted
Service Stripes Permitted - A measure that the present board has recently decided upon is one that permits the members of the BPD to use service stripes on their uniforms might seem like something new, and most of us like the wreath better, I know I do. But the Service Stripes that started under Batts, are not new to BPD, and in fact, date back to 1887.

On April 14, 1887, Marshal Frey called the Board of Commissioner's attention to the regulation of the New York Board of Police ordering the use of these stripes on the policeman's sleeves. He consulted with the Commissioners and the latter ordered that a stripe of blue cloth with black edges be placed upon each policeman's sleeves, one for every five years he had served the city. The commissioned officers of the force were empowered to wear gold lace stripes. This regulation has, like the introduction of the uniform helmet, added to the appearance of the men, and goes a great way towards making them anxious to obtain the honorable distinction of long service.
15 Apr

Commissioner says no more one-man cars
Today in Baltimore Police History 15 April 1946 Commissioner Atkinson says no more one-man cars

1-MAN PATROL CAR OPPOSED

The Sun (1837-1989); Apr 15, 1946; pg.7

1- PATROL - CAR OPPOSED MAN

Atkinson Says Two Are Needed / For Each Machine Police patrol cars in Baltimore, could not adequately serve I the public interest if operated by one man instead of two, Hamilton R. Atkinson, Commissioner of Police, declared yesterday.

Mr. Atkinson, who is asking for 212 additional patrolmen, had been questioned about relieving the need

for extra police personnel by taking a man from each of the radio cars and using him elsewhere. Two men in each car usually are necessary to handle such emergencies as a fight, house-breaking or disturbance involving several persons, the commissioner explained.

Major Problem Cited Moreover, if only one man were in the car, the machine often would have to be left unprotected, and a less continuous check could be kept on reports coming over the radio, he added. He said, also, that two-man operation facilitated the handling of school traffic, a major problem of the day shift or the department. Foot patrolmen are far from adequate to cover the school traffic, Mr. Atkinson declared, and patrol cars are called into use, as well as traffic officers on motorcycles. One patrolman in the car will take charge at one school, and the second man will move on to other traffic-congested areas nearby.

Child Fatality Low

'The child fatality record has been very low, and I intend to keep it that way.' he asserted. The day shift has to devote approximately five and a half hours to taking care of school traffic, he added. 'We have never used one man in radio cars. I have gone into the matter thoroughly with the inspector of the department and the captains or the district,” Mr. Atkinson said. 'None of my predecessors thought it feasible, and neither do I. 'Mr. Atkinson insisted on the need for more men to protect the city, particularly in outlying districts. He said there were about 231 men on each shift serving the entire city-wide area, 91 square miles.

This would increase Officer Safety while decreasing the expenses of fuel and The hours put on patrol cars.

https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/en/bpd-units/patrol-division.html

#BPD_History
16 Apr

Officer Calvin R. Mencken - Injured
Officer Calvin R. Mencken - Four Officers injured 16 April 1976 - James Brennan, Arthur Kennell Jr., Neal C. Splain, and Calvin R. Mencken.
16 Apr

Officer Neal C. Splain - Injured
Officer Neal C. Splain - Four Officers injured 16 April 1976 - James Brennan, Arthur Kennell Jr., Neal C. Splain, and Calvin R. Mencken.
16 Apr

Officer Arthur Kennell Jr. - Injured
Officer Arthur Kennell Jr. - Four Officers injured 16 April 1976 - James Brennan, Arthur Kennell Jr., Neal C. Splain, and Calvin R. Mencken.
16 Apr

Officer James Brennan - Injjured
Officer James Brennan - Four Officers injured 16 April 1976 - James Brennan, Arthur Kennell Jr., Neal C. Splain, and Calvin R. Mencken.
16 Apr

Fallen Officer Jimmy Dale Holcomb
Officer Jimmy Dale Holcomb - On this day in Baltimore Police History 16 April 1976 we lost our Brother Police Officer Jimmy Dale Holcomb to gunfire based on the following https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/index.php/en/component/k2/item/931-officer-jimmy-d-halcomb #BPDNeverForget May he Always Rest in Peace
16 Apr

Birthday Ernie Hubley
Ernie Hubley's Birthday
17 Apr

K9 Unit Considered Success
Today in Baltimore Police History 17 April 1957 - Baltimore’s K9 Unit was considered a success and made official.

On Tuesday, December 11, 1956, an article was published in one of our local newspapers which were one in a series of articles written by Martin Millspaugh pertaining to Scotland Yard. This article the last of a series was devoted to the use of police dogs in London. As a result of the letters and inquiries received by Commissioner James M. Hepbron, an article appeared in the Morning Sun on December 17, 1956, which briefly stated that Commissioner Hepbron was interested and saw the possibilities of using dogs in the Baltimore City Police Department.

On December 18, 1956, the two dogs (Turk & Major Gruntz) that had had previously been training were offered to the Baltimore Police Department and, with two officers (Patrolman Thomas McGinn and Irvan Marders) both with previous dog experience, the program was put into effect on an “experimental basis”. By the middle of January 1957, fourteen dogs had been acquired as potential candidates and fourteen men were selected and assigned to the K9 Corps. These men were chosen as a result of a questionnaire that was sent to all members of the department asking for volunteers.

These men and dogs were trained daily until March 1, 1957. At that time, they were put on the street on Friday and Saturday nights, working the areas where the crime was most prevalent. Shortly after this, on 17 April 1957 - Commissioner Hepbron, considering the experiment a success, made it official, he went before the Mayor and City Council and appropriations were made through the Board of Estimates which resulted in the K-9 Corps becoming a permanent part of the Baltimore City Police.

For more info on Baltimore’s K9 check out our website on Baltimore Police History

https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/en/bpd-units/k-9-unit.html

#BPD_History
18 Apr

Fallen Patrolman George Sauer
Patrolman George Sauer - On this day in Baltimore Police History 18 April 1915, we lost our Brother Patrolman George Sauer to gunfire based on the following:https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/index.php/en/component/k2/item/830-patrolman-george-c-sauer ‎#BPDNeverForget‬
18 Apr

Fallen Detective Richard F. Bosak
Detective Richard F. Bosak - On this day in Baltimore Police History 18 April 1968 we lost out Brother Detective Richard F. Bosak to gunfire based on the following: https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/index.php/en/component/k2/item/775-patrolman-richard-f-bosak ‎#BPDNeverForget‬
18 Apr

18 April 1861 Riots
18 April 1861 day 1 of the Baltimore Riots - Today in Baltimore Police History 18 April 1861... The Riots before the Riots that kicked off the Civil War... This marked the first day of two days of rioting that kicked off the civil war. While some blamed marshal Kane for the results of day two, had it not been for the Baltimore Police things would have been much worse. We remember Nicholas Biddle as 'The first man wounded in the Great American Rebellion' https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/en/our-police/1861-riots.html #BPD_History
18 Apr

Abraham Lincoln addressed Baltimore Sanitary Fair
18 April 1864, President Abraham Lincoln addressed Baltimore Sanitary Fair, organized by Maryland women for U.S. Sanitary Commission.
19 Apr

Fallen Patrolman Aubrey L. Lowman
On this day in Baltimore City Police History 19 April 1954, we lost our Brother Patrolman Aubrey L. Lowman, to Gunfire based on the following: https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/index.php/en/component/k2/item/962-patrolman-aubrey-l-lowman #BPDNeverForget‬
19 Apr

Pratt St Riots 1861
Pratt St Riots 1861 - Today in BPD History 19 April 1861 at President and Pratt Baltimore Police helped end the second day of rioting that lead to the first death of America's Civil War.

Police arrested “great numbers” afterward. But only seven were ever named – Mark Hagan and Andrew Eisenbreeht, charged with “assaulting an officer with a brick” Richard Brown and Patrick Collins “throwing bricks creating a riot” William Reid “severely injuring a man with a brick” J Friedenwald, “assaulting an unknown man” and Lawrence T Erwin, “throwing a brick on Pratt Street.” The first injured in the riots was Nicholas Biddle

https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/index.php/en/component/k2/item/890-nicholas-biddle

https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/index.php/en/our-police/1861-riots/item/892-riots-1861-newspaper-article

https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/en/our-police/1861-riots.html

#BPD_History

Today in BPD History 19 April 1861 at President and Pratt Baltimore Police helped end the second day of rioting which lead to the first death of America's Civil War. The first injured in the riots was Nicholas Biddle
https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/index.php/en/component/k2/item/890-nicholas-biddle #BPD_History
19 Apr

Katelynn's Birthday
Katelynn's Birthday
21 Apr

Fallen Officer John R. J. Block
On this day in Baltimore Police History 21 April 1933 we lost our Brother, Police Officer John R. J. Block due to gunfire based on the following; https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/index.php/en/component/k2/item/763-officer-john-r-j-block #BPDNeverForget‬
21 Apr

Fallen Officer Kevon Malik Gavin
On this day in Baltimore City Police History 2000, we lost our Brother Police Officer Kevon Malik Gavin, to vehicular homicide based on the following: https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/index.php/en/component/k2/item/927-officer-kevon-m-gavin-sr #BPDNeverForget‬
22 Apr

Maryland Auto Tag Plate History
Today in Maryland History 22 April 1934 the State ended its war with Delaware in regards to making our own license plates. They were made in our State penitentiaries. The first history of makers of any kind of automobiles in Maryland dated back to approx. 1904, when one dollar was required to be paid by the owner of the motor car to the secretary of state, 644 applications were issued that year in Annapolis, the first being 128, done in May 1904. For more information click the following link - https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/en/maryland-tag-plate-history #BPD_History
23 Apr

Fallen Sergeant Robert John Barlow
On this date 23 April 1978 in Baltimore Police History, we lost our Brother Sergeant Robert John Barlow to a Heart Attack based on the following: https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/index.php/en/component/k2/item/670-sgt-robert-j-barlow #‎BPDNeverForget‬
24 Apr

Fallen Officer Donald W. Sager
On this Day 24 April 1970 In Baltimore Police History, we lost our Brother Officer Donald W. Sager to gunfire - https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/index.php/en/component/k2/item/831-officer-donald-w-sager #BPDNeverForget
25 Apr

Final Roll Call - Police Officer Norman Stamp Friendly Fire
Today in Baltimore Police History 25 April 2008 we lost our brother Police Officer Norman Stamp to an off-duty case of friendly fire based on the following: https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/en/component/k2/item/1047-retired-officer-norman-stamp.html ‎#BPDNeverForget
28 Apr

Maryland Became the 7th State
Today in Maryland history 28 April 1788 – Maryland Became the Seventh State in the Union. Maryland was the seventh state to ratify the United States Constitution and has two nicknames, the Old Line State and the Free State

Old Line State. According to some historians, General George Washington bestowed the name 'Old Line State' and thereby associated Maryland with its regular line troops, the Maryland Line, who served courageously in many Revolutionary War battles.

Free State. Maryland was first recognized as a 'Free State' on November 1, 1864. On that date, the Maryland Constitution of 1864 took effect. By its provisions, slavery within the State's borders was abolished, and Maryland, indeed, became a free state. To celebrate the emancipation, under direction of the Baltimore City Council, five hundred guns were fired, bells were rung, and flags displayed 'to attest the joy of the people at their great deliverance.'

Much later, the nickname 'Free State' was used in a different context by Hamilton Owens, editor of the Baltimore Sun. In 1923, Georgia Congressman William D. Upshaw, a firm supporter of Prohibition, denounced Maryland as a traitor to the Union for refusing to pass a State enforcement act. Mr. Owens thereupon wrote a mock-serious editorial entitled 'The Maryland Free State,' arguing that Maryland should secede from the Union rather than prohibit the sale of liquor. The irony in the editorial was subtle, and Mr. Owens decided not to print it. He popularized the nickname, however, in later editorials.
29 Apr

The nameplate was first worn
Today in BPD history 29 April 1966 at 9 am- The Nameplate was first worn by City Police Officers. In a program called 'Know Your Police,'
As a side note, Patrolman Edward Campbell would be the first City Officer to wear such nameplate as he posed for the Baltimore Sun a day earlier on 28 April 1966. We should add Officer Tom Wade posed for a similar picture in which Commissioner Gelston was seen pinning his nameplate on him.
Something I found interesting was that we and the state police added nameplates to our uniforms on the same date, it was different years but the same date 7 years earlier on the same day (29 April 1959)
Name plate 1966 Ed Campbell 73
30 Apr

Reorganization of Baltimore's “Night-Watch
Today in BPD history 30 April 1800 - A committee of three persons from each of Baltimore's wards was appointed to plan a reorganization of the city's “Night-Watch”. At the assembly, the committee voted on a plan that suggested patrols be increased. The recommendation was approved, and by the vigilance of the city's watchmen, the disorder in Baltimore was suppressed for a time.
https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/en/bpd-history/roistering-past.html #BPD_History

BCP chrome HOF72 Marshal Thomas Farnan

Baltimore Police Hall of Fame

These officers are legends with names that everyone should be familiar with; they either put forward something that resulted in long-lasting improvements or stood out for a specific act or actions during their careers with the Baltimore Police Department. Members of our department nominated all of them. If you have someone to nominate, send us their name, years of active service, assignment(s), and why you believe they should be added to this list.

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What makes an Espantoon an Espantoon
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QUOTES

Before an arrow can go forward, it has to go Back

There's no right time to do wrong - and - no wrong time to do right!

Let Us To The End, Dare To Do Our Duty - Abraham Lincoln

Leaders don't look for recognition from others. Leaders look for others to recognize.

If it feels like you are digging yourself into a hole - It's not too late to put your shovel down

Our prime purpose in life is to help others, and if we can't help them, the at least we can do is not to hurt them.

"Every society gets the kind of criminal it deserves. What is equally true is that every community gets the kind of law enforcement it demands." - Robert F. Kennedy

During an interrogation, It was said to the suspect - "There are only two people who know who did this, I'm looking at one, and you're looking at the other"

It is easier to stay out of trouble, than it is to get out of trouble!

In order to be able to think you have to risk being offensive. - Jordan Peterson

Lawlessness is Lawlessness. Anarchy is Anarchy. Neither Race, nor Color, nor Frustration is an excuse for either lawlessness, or anarchy. - Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall

Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment. - Will Rogers

Safe Driving Award

Safe Driving Award

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20 Year

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George Kane

Preservation

Norris Award

Citation of Valor

Bobby Lee's birthday

Today is Autism awareness day

City Council passed 1st ordinance affecting the police

Inauguration of the Accident Investigation Bureau

Fallen Officer James Joyce

5th. ISSUE Badge

Retroactive Citation of Valor program

Mom's Birthday

1968 Baltimore Riots

Fallen Patrolman Norman Buchman

My Birthday

Ret Lieutenant Joe Peters

Fallen Officer Henry Smith Jr.

Central Records Bureau was Established

John Prine Passed away

Police Suicide - Agent Peter J. Vasiliou

Re-appointment of Sgt. Philip Flood

Serious Injury / Shooting

Sgt Moog, Sun Paper Article 10 April 1925

Service Stripes Permitted

Commissioner says no more one-man cars

Officer Calvin R. Mencken - Injured

Officer Neal C. Splain - Injured

Officer Arthur Kennell Jr. - Injured

Officer James Brennan - Injjured

Fallen Officer Jimmy Dale Holcomb

Birthday Ernie Hubley

K9 Unit Considered Success

Fallen Patrolman George Sauer

Fallen Detective Richard F. Bosak

18 April 1861 Riots

Abraham Lincoln addressed Baltimore Sanitary Fair

Fallen Patrolman Aubrey L. Lowman

Pratt St Riots 1861

Katelynn's Birthday

Fallen Officer John R. J. Block

Fallen Officer Kevon Malik Gavin

Maryland Auto Tag Plate History

Fallen Sergeant Robert John Barlow

Fallen Officer Donald W. Sager

Final Roll Call - Police Officer Norman Stamp Friendly Fire

Maryland Became the 7th State

The nameplate was first worn

Reorganization of Baltimore's “Night-Watch

Baltimore Police Hall of Fame

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