01 Jun

Police Suicide - P/O Charles E. Robinson

Today in BPD History 1 June 1942, Our Brother Patrolman Charles E. Robinson was found slumped over the wheel of his car. He was pronounced dead at West Baltimore General Hospital. Dr. Henry L. Wollenweber, Medical Examiner’s Office, said Robinson had committed suicide. Robinson is survived by a wife and a 12-year-old son.

01 Jun

The ordinance providing for a police boat

SECOND BRANCH. -- Tuesday, June 1st. -- The ordinance providing for a police boat, to be selected from the present police force of the city, was adopted... Source: Baltimore Sun, June, 3rd. 1852, pg. 4.

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

02 Jun

Josh's Birthday

02 Jun

Fallen Hero Turnkey Carroll E. Bond

On 2 June, 1914, we lost our brother, Carroll E. Bond, to an on-duty suicide. Turnkey Bond joined the Baltimore Police Department in 1900 as a patrolman. In 1911, while on a hunting trip with a fellow officer, he was shot in the face with a shotgun blast of birdshot. This accident took his eye, and it took him off the streets. No longer a patrolman, now a turnkey Turnkey Bond became meloncoly, and eventually, on 2 June 1914, he went to the assembly area of the booking area, called out to his sergeant, then put the muzzle of his revolver to his head and pulled the trigger. He was taken to a local hospital, where, a little over three hours later, he passed away from his injuries.

06 Jun

Anniversary of D-Day

On June 6, 1944, thousands of American and Allied troops stormed the beaches of Normandy to begin the liberation of Europe. On this, the anniversary of D-Day, we honor the valor of the Greatest Generation and the sacrifices made by countless heroes for the freedoms we hold dear.

As a side note, the question often asked has been, 'What does the D in D-Day stand for?' The military gives the explanation as follows: The D in D-Day merely stands for Day. It was used like a countdown or to count past a target day. This coded designation was used for the day of any important invasion or military operation. For military planners (and later historians), the days before and after a D-Day were indicated using plus and minus signs: D-4 meant four days before a D-Day, while D+4 meant four days after a D-Day.

The military also employed the term “H-Hour” to refer to the time on D-Day when the action would begin. This shorthand helped prevent actual mission dates from falling into enemy hands, but it also proved handy when the start date for an attack was still undecided. Military planners also used a system of pluses and minuses to designate any time or day occurring before or after D-Day or H-Hour.

So, again, for example, D+2 meant two days after D-Day, while H-1 referred to one hour before H-Hour. These terms allowed units to effectively coordinate their operations ahead of time even when they didn’t know their actual start date, and they also provided flexibility in the event that the launch day shifted.

06 Jun

First Female to Graduate from the Baltimore Law School

Today in Baltimore City History 6 June 1901, marks the anniversary of Etta Maddox's becoming the first female to graduate from the Baltimore Law School. After graduating, she attempted to become a member of the bar, although Maryland law limited the practice to men only. She stated

'I have no desire to leave Maryland. Besides, there is as good a field here as elsewhere for a woman to practice law if I can only be admitted to the bar. And I am willing to make the effort, not only for myself but for other women who may wish to take up the same profession. I hope to get what I want without encountering any serious opposition, but I am prepared for discouragement. If I am refused the privilege of taking the examination for admission to the bar, I will keep asking until I get permission to take it. If the next Legislature refuses to strike out the word ‘male’- well, I’ll petition again, that’s all.'

She was denied permission (In Re Maddox, 93 Md. 727 (1901), but she was persistent, and the following year she persuaded the Legislature to change the law. In 1902 Maryland law was changed to read

'Women shall be permitted to practice law in this State upon the same terms, conditions, and requirements, and to the same extent as provided in this Article with reference to men. No discrimination shall be made on account of race, creed, complexion or previous condition of servitude.'

Maddox took the bar exam on June 18th and 19th, 1902. In July, the State Board of Law Examiners sent her notice that she passed the exam “very creditably.” The Court of Appeals formally admitted Etta Maddox to the Bar on September 11, 1902, making her the first woman to be admitted to the Maryland Bar.

https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/en/component/content/article/393-baltimore-fun-facts

07 Jun

Christine's Birthday

08 Jun

First Woman Officer to Enter the Academy

Today in BPD History 8 June 1973 - Gladys Aye became the first woman officer to enter the academy after the designation Policewoman was dropped and both men and women officers went by the single title of 'Police Officer' making her the first female police officer hired by the Baltimore Police department. This also gave female officers the opportunity to be promoted above the rank of Lieutenant. The change from Policeman and Policewoman was in the works for nearly two weeks before it was officially announced on 11 June 1973 https://history23.bcpserver.com/index.php/component/content/article/488-women-and-the-baltimore-police-department

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFRTMzyABVA

10 Jun

First Woman Officer to Enter the Academy

Terry Vs Ohio

On this day in police history 10 June 1968, the Supreme Court issued an 8–1 decision against Terry that upheld the constitutionality of the 'Stop-and-Frisk' procedure as long as the police officer performing it has a 'Reasonable Suspicion' that the targeted person is about to commit a crime, has committed a crime, or is committing a crime, and may be 'Armed and Presently Dangerous.'

https://history23.bcpserver.com/terry-v-ohio

11 Jun

Police Officer' replaces 'Policeman' and 'Policewoman'

Today in BPD History 11 June 1973 - The Civil Service Commission authorized the single classification of 'Police Officer' to replace the dual designation 'Policeman/Patrolman' and 'Policewoman.' https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/en/bpd-history/women-police.html #BPD_History

11 Jun

Fallen Patrolman Michael W. Ryan

On this day in BPD History 11 June 1900 we lost our Brother Patrolman Michael W. Ryan to a line of duty related injury. https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/en/component/k2/item/1093-patrolman-michael-w-ryan.html #‎BPDNeverForget‬

12 Jun

Fallen Officer Carl Peterson, Jr.

On this day in Baltimore City Police History 12 June 1971, we lost our brother Police Officer Carl Peterson, Jr. to Gunfire based on the following. https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/index.php/en/component/k2/item/848-officer-carl-peterson-jr #‎BPDNeverForget ‬

12 Jun

Fallen Officer William Woodcock

On this day in BPD History 12 June 1943 we lost our Brother Police Officer William Woodcock as he was beaten with his Espantoon, punched, stomped and kicked by a coward while he lay unconscious on the ground, https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/index.php/en/component/k2/item/787-officer-william-woodcock #BPDNeverForget

13 Jun

Fallen Patrolman William L. Ryan

On this day in Baltimore Police History 13 June 1940 we lost our brother Patrolman William L. Ryan to knife wounds based on the following: https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/index.php/en/component/k2/item/832-patrolman-william-l-ryan #‎BPDNeverForget‬

13 Jun

Miranda

On this day 13 June, 1966, the Supreme Court hands down its decision in Miranda v. Arizona, establishing the principle that all criminal suspects must be advised of their rights before interrogation. Now considered standard police procedure, “You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can, and will, be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford one, one will be appointed to you,” has been heard so many times in television and film dramas that it has become almost cliché.

14 Jun

Stars & Stripes

During the American Revolution, the Continental Congress adopts a resolution stating that “the flag of the United States be thirteen alternate stripes red and white” and that “the Union is thirteen stars, white on a field of blue, representing a new Constellation.” The national flag, which became known as the “Stars and Stripes,” was based on the “Grand Union” flag, a banner carried by the Continental Army in 1776 that also consisted of 13 red and white stripes. According to legend, Philadelphia seamstress Betsy Ross designed the new canton for the Stars and Stripes, which consisted of a circle of 13 stars and a blue background, at the request of General George Washington. Historians have been unable to conclusively prove or disprove this legend.

With the entrance of new states into the United States after independence, new stripes and stars were added to represent new additions to the Union. In 1818, however, Congress enacted a law stipulating that the 13 original stripes be restored and that only stars be added to represent new states.

On June 14, 1877, the first Flag Day observance was held on the 100th anniversary of the adoption of the Stars and Stripes. As instructed by Congress, the U.S. flag was flown from all public buildings across the country. In the years after the first Flag Day, several states continued to observe the anniversary, and in 1949 Congress officially designated June 14 as Flag Day, a national day of observance.

14 Jun

Army Birthday

The U.S. Army was founded on 14 June 1775, when the Continental Congress authorized enlistment of expert riflemen to serve the United Colonies for one year.

15 Jun

Before the Paddy Wagon

Today in Baltimore Police History 15 June 1840, 45 years before Baltimore Police would receive their first Police Wagon aka Paddy Wagon when police made an arrest, the arrestee had several options about their pending excursion to the station. Keeping in mind we received the wagon and the call box the same year, and this 1840 was not that year. So the arrestee could cooperate and walk adjacent to the officer to the lock-up, or they could resist. resisting came in two forms, one they fight the officer into the booking station, or second they drop anchor, just plop straight to the ground and refuse to cooperate.

The following is an article from this day in 1840 that describes one such case, and what the officers did to oppose the situation.

https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/en/bpd-history/patrol-paddy-wagons.html #BPDHistory

16 Jun

Fallen Officer - Sgt. Benjamin Graham

On this day in Baltimore City Police History, 16 June 1895, we lost our Brother Sergeant Benjamin Graham due to complications caused by a line of duty injury in which he was struck by a sleigh during the course of his duty 11 years earlier in the year 1884 based on the following.

https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/en/component/k2/item/1078-sgt-benjamin-graham.html

#‎BPDNeverForget ‬

17 Jun

History - Cadet Program is started

Today in BPD History 17 June 1965 - Baltimore Police began its Cadet Program, the first Cadet was Edmund Bossle. Edmund Bossle retired at the rank of Lieutenant.
https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/en/bpd-units/cadet-program.html #BPD_History

17 Jun

I was sworn into the Baltimore Police Department on this day in 1987

I was sworn into the Baltimore Police Department on this day in 1987. We won't call it, 'Today in BPD history,' but on this day in KJD history 17 June 1987 I was sworn into the Baltimore Police Department where I had one hell of a ride, doing a job I loved.
https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/en/k2/det-kenny-driscoll.html #BPD_History

17 Jun

Statue of Liberty a Gift of Friendship

On this day 17 June 1885, the dismantled Statue of Liberty, a gift of friendship from the people of France to the people of America, arrives in New York Harbor after being shipped across the Atlantic Ocean in 350 individual pieces packed in more than 200 cases. The copper and iron statue, which was reassembled and dedicated the following year in a ceremony presided over by U.S. President Grover Cleveland, became known around the world as an enduring symbol of freedom and democracy.

Intended to commemorate the American Revolution and a century of friendship between the U.S. and France, the statue was designed by French sculptor Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi (who modeled it after his own mother), with assistance from engineer Gustave Eiffel, who later developed the iconic tower in Paris bearing his name. The statue was initially scheduled to be finished by 1876, the 100th anniversary of America’s Declaration of Independence; however, fundraising efforts, which included auctions, a lottery and boxing matches, took longer than anticipated, both in Europe and the U.S., where the statue’s pedestal was to be financed and constructed. The statue alone cost the French an estimated $250,000 (more than $5.5 million in today’s money).

Finally completed in Paris in the summer of 1884, the statue, a robed female figure with an uplifted arm holding a torch, reached its new home on Bedloe’s Island in New York Harbor (between New York City and Hudson County, New Jersey) on June 17, 1885. After being reassembled, the 450,000-pound statue was officially dedicated on October 28, 1886, by President Cleveland, who said, “We will not forget that Liberty has here made her home; nor shall her chosen altar be neglected.” Standing more than 305 feet from the foundation of its pedestal to the top of its torch, the statue, dubbed “Liberty Enlightening the World” by Bartholdi, was taller than any structure in New York City at the time. The statue was originally copper-colored, but over the years it underwent a natural color-change process called patination that produced its current greenish-blue hue.

In 1892, Ellis Island, located near Bedloe’s Island (which is 1956 was renamed Liberty Island), opened as America’s chief immigration station, and for the next 62 years Lady Liberty, as the statue is nicknamed, stood to watch over the more than 12 million immigrants who sailed into New York Harbor. In 1903, a plaque inscribed with a sonnet titled “The New Colossus” by American poet Emma Lazarus, written 20 years earlier for a pedestal fundraiser, was placed on an interior wall of the pedestal. Lazarus’ now-famous words, which include “Give me your tired, your poor/Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,” became symbolic of America’s vision of itself as a land of opportunity for immigrants.

Some 60 years after President Calvin Coolidge designated the statue a national monument in 1924, it underwent a multi-million-dollar restoration (which included a new torch and gold leaf-covered flame) and was rededicated by President Ronald Reagan on July 4, 1986, in a lavish celebration. Following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the statue was closed; its base, pedestal and observation deck re-opened in 2004, while its crown re-opened to the public on July 4, 2009. (For safety reasons, the torch has been closed to visitors since 1916, after an incident called the Black Tom explosions in which munitions-laden barges and railroad cars on the Jersey City, New Jersey, waterfront were blown up by German agents, causing damage to the nearby statue.)

Today, the Statue of Liberty is one of America’s most famous landmarks. Over the years, it has been the site of political rallies and protests (from suffragettes to anti-war activists), has been featured in numerous movies and countless photographs and has received millions of visitors from around the globe.

18 Jun

The War of 1812 Begins

On this day 18 June 1812, The day after the Senate followed the House of Representatives in voting to declare war against Great Britain, President James Madison signs the declaration into law–and the War of 1812 begins. The American war declaration, opposed by a sizable minority in Congress, had been called in response to the British economic blockade of France, the induction of American seaman into the British Royal Navy against their will, and the British support of hostile Indian tribes along the Great Lakes frontier. A faction of Congress known as the “War Hawks” had been advocating war with Britain for several years and had not hidden their hopes that a U.S. invasion of Canada might result in significant territorial land gains for the United States.

In the months after President Madison proclaimed the state of war to be in effect, American forces launched a three-point invasion of Canada, all of which were decisively unsuccessful. In 1814, with Napoleon Bonaparte’s French Empire collapsing, the British were able to allocate more military resources to the American war, and Washington, D.C., fell to the British in August. In Washington, British troops burned the White House, the Capitol, and other buildings in retaliation for the earlier burning of government buildings in Canada by U.S. soldiers.

In September, the tide of the war turned when Thomas Macdonough’s American naval force won a decisive victory at the Battle of Plattsburg Bay on Lake Champlain. The invading British army was forced to retreat back into Canada. The American victory on Lake Champlain led to the conclusion of U.S.-British peace negotiations in Belgium, and on December 24, 1814, the Treaty of Ghent was signed, formally ending the War of 1812. By the terms of the agreement, all conquered territory was to be returned, and a commission would be established to settle the boundary of the United States and Canada.

British forces assailing the Gulf Coast were not informed of the treaty in time, and on January 8, 1815, the U.S. forces under Andrew Jackson achieved the greatest American victory of the war at the Battle of New Orleans. The American public heard of Jackson’s victory and the Treaty of Ghent at approximately the same time, fostering a greater sentiment of self-confidence and shared identity throughout the young republic.

19 Jun

First Female Officers Hired

Today in Baltimore Police History 19 June 1912 The first Female Officer was hired under the title of Policewomen was Mary S. Harvey, EOD of June 19, 1912 her hiring was followed by that of Margaret B. Eagleston July 22, 1912 (interesting side note on March 28, 1925 the Baltimore Sun reports - Two female members of department given first lesson in pistol shooting. They were Miss Margaret B. Eagleston and Mrs. Mary J. Bruff - A few days later Mrs. Mary Harvey, Miss Eva Aldridge, and Ms. Mildred Campbell were also trained. So basically the first two woman officers hired by the BPD weren't trained in firearms until they had been on the force for 13 years!) https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/en/bpd-history/women-police.html #BPD_History

19 Jun

Fallen - Alexander McIntosh

On thiis day in BPD History 19 June 1844 we lost our Brother Watchman Alexander McIntosh in the line of duty based on the following - https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/index.php/en/component/k2/item/968-watchman-alexander-mcintoshl #‎BPDNeverForget ‬

20 Jun

The Sack of Baltimore

The Sack of Baltimore - 1631
On this day in our Driscoll family history, 20 June 1631, Baltimore [Ireland] fell victim to a what has become remembered as, a horrendous attack by pirates on the sleeping village of Baltimore, known as 'The Sack of Baltimore'. At that time among the O'Driscoll family that lived in the village where a population of settlers from England who had arrived some years earlier to work the lucrative pilchard fishery under lease from the O'Driscoll chieftain, Sir Fineen O'Driscoll. Piracy was rife along the shores of West Cork, much of it of a home-grown variety; indeed, the settlement's founder, Thomas Crooke, stood accused of involvement himself. However, the danger, in this case, was from much farther afield.

Follow this link to learn more about how many of our family's ancestors were sold into slavery on this day in 1631

https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/en/the-sack-of-baltimore.html

20 Jun

Fallen Officer Michael Neary

Fallen Officer Michael Neary - On this day in Baltimore Police History 20 June 1894 we lost our brother's Policeman Michael Neary and Policeman James T. Dunn of the Central District. based on the following:

https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/index.php/en/component/k2/item/975-policeman-michael-nearyl #‎BPDNeverForget‬

20 Jun

Fallen Officer James T. Dunn

On this day in Baltimore Police History 20 June 1894 we lost our brother's Policeman James T. Dunn and Policeman Michael Neary of the Central District. based on the following: https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/index.php/en/component/k2/item/915-policeman-james-t-dunn #‎BPDNeverForget

20 Jun

Fallen Officer William Wilder

Fallen Officer William Wilder - On this day in Baltimore Police History 20 June 1969, we lost our brother, Police Officer William Wilder in the line of duty. https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/index.php/en/component/k2/item/791-officer-william-wilder #‎BPDNeverForget‬

20 Jun

Fallen Officer Charles S. Frank

Fallen Officer Charles S. Frank - On this day in Baltimore Police History 20 June 1924 we lost our Brother Police Officer Charles S. Frank to gunfire based on the following: https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/index.php/en/component/k2/item/923-brother-patrolman-charles-l-frank #‎BPDNeverForget‬

22 Jun

Military Takeover of Department

Today in Baltimore Police History 22 June 1861 - was the start of a military takeover that went from 22 June, 1861 to 29 March, 1862 (Under control if the United States Military authorities) Police Commissioners Appointed by the Military authorities - Columbus O'Donnell, Archibald Sterling Jr., Thomas Kelso, John R Kelso, John W Randolph, Peter Sauerwein, John B Seidenstricker, Joseph Roberts, and Michael Warner

22 Jun

3rd Issue Badge Introduced

Today in Baltimore Police History 22 June 1862, a newly formed Police force appeared in a completely new uniform with a new series of badges.

Known as 3rd Issue it had the same center section of the first badge, and returning the designation of 'City Police' surrounded by twenty small points encircled by a narrow rim.

Note: The 20 pointer was replaced by an order from the Commissioner. He said, 'too many were in the hands of the citizens.' (This was found in an article in the newspaper circa1890.)

23 Jun

Fallen Patrolman Arthur Weiss

Fallen Patrolman Arthur Weiss - On this day in Baltimore Police History 23 June 1951 we lost our Brother Patrolman Arthur Weiss, in the line of duty based on the following https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/index.php/en/component/k2/item/793-patrolman-arthur-weiss #‎BPDNeverForget‬

26 Jun

Fallen Officer James Shamer

On this date in Baltimore Police History 26 June 1946, we lost our Brother Patrolman James Shamer based on the following https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/index.php/en/component/k2/item/826-patrolman-james-m-shamer #‎BPDNeverForget‬

27 Jun

Fallen Patrolman Henry Wilcox

On this day in Baltimore Police History 27 June 1858, we lost our Brother Patrolman Henry Wilcox in the line of duty based on the following https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/en/item/1098-patrolman-henry-wilcox.html ‪#‎BPDNeverForget‬

28 Jun

Baltimore's 1st Uniform Shoulder Patch

Today in BPD History 28 June 1952 The department started using a single rocker type shoulder patch, it was black with yellow/orange trim, and lettering that read, 'Baltimore City Police.' This was to be worn on the left shoulder of the officer's coat, or blouse. The original concept was to also have a second patch similar to the coat patch but for the shirt. The shirt patch was being studied and would have had a white background with blue lettering/outline.

On the 28th of June 1952 these patches were issued to officers in training, Officers on the street would get them not long after at a cost of 30 cents each.

https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/en/bpd-history/patches.html
#BPD_History

28 Jun

Injured - Thomas Dillion

Today in Baltimore Police History 28 June 1926 Clerk Thomas Dillion was shot and paralyzed in the line of duty based on the following - #BPD_History

28 Jun

Fallen Hero - Sergeant William Nicholson

28 June 1928 We lost our brother, Sergeant William Nicholson, to a line of duty infection caused by irritation from a colored sweatband inside his issued service hat. The material used in the makeup of the sweatband caused an infection that led to his loss of life. It took his widow nearly ten years to prove her case. I am not sure of how things were handled, but it should seem obvious that if something from the equipment caused this sergeant's loss of life, it should have been called a line of duty or work-related death a lot sooner. May he continue to rest in peace, and we will keep him and his wife in our thoughts on this day in Baltimore Police history. https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/en/component/content/article/561-sergeant-william-nicholson

29 Jun

Fallen Officer Webster E. Schumann

On this day in Baltimore Police History 29 June 1926 we lost our brother Police Officer Webster E. Schumann to Gunfire https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/index.php/en/component/k2/item/828-patrolman-webster-schuman

#‎BPDNeverForget‬