BPD Hall of Fame
Welcome to the Hall of Fame, where we honor the outstanding men and women who have served the Baltimore Police Department with distinction, courage, and excellence. These are the officers and leaders who have made a lasting impact on the department, the city, and the profession of policing. They are the ones who have upheld the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and service. They are the ones who have embodied the old-school Baltimore Police tradition and pride.
The Hall of Fame showcases the stories of some of the most remarkable and inspiring individuals who have worn the badge of the Baltimore Police Department. You will learn about their achievements, challenges, and contributions to the history and development of the department and the community. You will also discover how they have influenced and inspired generations of officers and citizens alike.
The Hall of Fame is not just a collection of names and faces. It is a tribute to the spirit and values of the Baltimore Police Department. It is a celebration of the dedication and sacrifice of the officers who have sworn to protect and serve. It is a reminder of the honor and responsibility of being a police officer.
We invite you to explore the Hall of Fame and get to know the heroes of the Baltimore Police Department. We hope you enjoy their stories and appreciate their legacy.
Baltimore City Police History Website's
Hall of Fame
When considering nominees for the Hall of Fame, we like to ask not only what the nominee has done but also what their name on this list will do for them and for us. For many of these men and women, having their name listed as a Hall of Fame Police Officer or Detective is an honor, but more often than not, the names on this list are what make the list as powerful as it is. They are the ones who have improved the quality and reputation of our group by being in it. So when nominees are considered, we take their name, their actions, and their reputation into account. We are looking for the best of the best, the ones who have made a lasting difference in the Baltimore Police Department and the community.
By clicking on many of the following names, you can learn more about the officer
Patrolwoman Marget B Eagleston
Patrolman Richard J. Ellwood Sr.
Major Richard FahlteichMarshal Tom Farnan
Patrolman William "Bill" Hackley
Patrolman Joseph "Nightstick Joe" Hlafka
Det. David Jones
Deputy Commissioner Leo T. Kelly
Patrolman Paul Levinson
Captain Dennis P. Mello
Sergeant James P Moog
Commissioner Donald Pomerleau
Lieutenant Edwin Schillo
The order of the officers on this page is alphabetical by last name; it has no bearing on their accomplishments.
The Baltimore Police Historical Society's Hall of Fame is a tribute to the Baltimore City Police officers and leaders who have made notable differences throughout the history of our agency. These are the people who brought significant changes, innovations, and improvements to the way policing is done in the city. They are the ones who exemplify courage, dedication, and excellence in their work.
Some examples of Hall of Fame members are:
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Agent Gene Cassidy has been a remarkable example of courage and perseverance in the face of adversity. As a police officer in Baltimore City, he was shot in the line of duty, leaving him with a serious head injury that not only took away his sight but also left him without the ability to smell or taste. Despite these devastating injuries, he did not give up on his passion for public safety. He continued to serve as an instructor at Baltimore's Police Academy, where he taught and inspired countless young officers for whom he demonstrated his resilience and determination. After retiring from the Baltimore Police Department with 30 years of service, he went on to become a special agent for the FBI. He is a recipient of the Police Department’s Medal of Honor and Citation of Valor for his bravery and sacrifice. He is also a supporter of organ donation, as he received a liver transplant in 2012 due to hepatitis C contracted from the blood transfusions he received after being shot in 1987. He participates in the annual Donate Life Family Fun Run to raise awareness and funds for organ, eye, and tissue donation. He is a true hero and a role model for all.
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Marshal Jacob Frey was a visionary leader and a reformer of the Baltimore Police Department in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He joined the department as a patrolman in 1867 and rose through the ranks to become marshal in 1899. He introduced several major enhancements to the department, such as the Call Box, the Patrol Wagon, the Mounted Unit, the Marine Unit, the Detective Bureau, the Bertillon System of Identification, the Police Signal Service, and the Police Academy. He also improved the working conditions and the morale of the officers by increasing their salaries, providing men with uniforms and equipment, and establishing a pension fund. He was a courageous and capable officer who demonstrated his abilities during the railroad riots of 1877, where he single-handedly maintained control of the mob at Camden Station for nearly 70 hours without sleep. He was also a respected and popular figure in the city, known for his honesty, integrity, and generosity. He served as the marshal with great pride, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and improvement for the Baltimore Police Department and the community.
Marshal Jacob Frey and Agent Gene Cassidy were among the law enforcement officials chosen at random from the list of police in our Hall of Fame by Copilot, a division of Bing AI. Cassidy, to show what the heart and soul of Baltimore Police are made of; these guys had no quit in them; their determination and resilience have been an inspiration to countless officers over the years, not just within the Baltimore City Police Department but with surrounding jurisdictions and police departments that have heard or read about them over the last 20+ years. They are in Baltimore’s Hall of Fame, not only because they are known for their determination and resilience, but also because, when they were active, they were each highly decorated police officers that would have been described as “aggressive”(1) by their supervisors and as “good police”(2) by their co-workers and peers.
These are just some of the kinds of police you’ll find in the Baltimore Police Historical Society Hall of Fame, where we honor the heroes of the Baltimore Police Department and celebrate their achievements. We hope you enjoy learning more about them and their impact on the city and the profession.
Police Definitions
(1) Aggressive: In the context of police work, this term refers to an officer who is proactive, diligent, and hard-working in patrolling and preventing crimes, as well as assertive, confident, and determined in pursuing justice and protecting the public. An aggressive officer is not someone who is violent, abusive, or reckless, but someone who is professional, competent, and effective.
(2) Good police: In Baltimore, officers refer to their co-workers who are competent, professional, and effective in their work as “good police.” This means that the officer is proactive, diligent, and hard-working in patrolling and preventing crimes, as well as assertive, confident, and determined in pursuing justice and protecting the public. It also means that the officer abides by the code of ethics and conduct of the department, respects the rights and dignity of the people they serve, and cooperates with their fellow officers and supervisors. A good police officer is not someone who is violent, abusive, or corrupt, but someone who is honest, honorable, and courageous.
Nominees
When considering nominees for the Hall of Fame, we like to ask not only what the nominee has done but also what their name on this list will do for them and for us. For many of these men and women, having their name listed as a Hall of Fame Police Officer or Detective is an honor, but more often than not, the names on this list are what make the list as powerful as it is. They are the ones who have improved the quality and reputation of our group by being on it. So, when nominees are considered, we take their name, their actions, and their reputation into account. We are looking for the best of the best, the ones who have made a lasting difference in the Baltimore Police Department and the community.
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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 pictures to 8138 Dundalk Ave., Baltimore, Md. 21222