Espantoon Reference Private

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Espantoon

Espantoon Info/History

Webster's Third Edition: "An Espantoon In Baltimore, a policeman's stick" We would like to start out by saying we collect Nightsticks, Espantoons, Batons, Truncheons, Billy Clubs Etc. - If you have one for sale, or donation let us know as we are interested. For what might be obvious reasons we particularly like Baltimore style sticks, aside from their being the sticks carried by our brothers they also show a progression not just in what we carried, or had made, but what the department had made for us. While we like Baltimore sticks, we collect them all, from any state in the US to any country in the world. We hope to start a Baltimore Police Museum and would like to have as many we can to show what police have used for years to protect themselves and the public. Initially, it could be a rolling museum, and they will be used to show the differences over the years, as well to show how they wear, due to their having been carried everywhere with an officer over his or her career. As for the Museum, Commissioner Batts has promised us the old Headquarters Museum again, so as soon as possible we will be trying to get back into that museum, and able to show off our history to the public.

Wallpaper

Woodworkers that Turned Baltimore Espantoons
1939 / 2007

1939 / 1957 – Rev W. Gibbs McKenney - Made BPD Issue - Sold to Howard Uniform - 10,000 hickory 2,000 redwood over 20 yrs

1957 / 1977 – Rev. John D. Longenecker - Made BPD Issue - Sold to Howard Uniform - 10,000 hickory 2,000 redwood over 20 yrs

1955 / 1979 – Carl Hagen - Made BPD Issue & his own Stick - Sold to Howard Uniform and Officers - 2.000 various wood types over 24 yrs

1974 / 1977 – Edward Bremer - Made his own Stick – Sold to Officers - 300 various wood types over 3 yrs

1977 / 2007 – P/O Joe Hlafka - Made his own Stick - Sold to Officers and Police Supply Shops - 10,000 various wood types over 37 yrs

What makes a Baltimore Officer's Nightstick an Espantoon.
After years of using one, seeing them used and years of studying them, through
Photos, and conversation, I would say, it is the way we hold them. Knowing the nomenclature of the stick helps, so we'll include that information below
burrell Barrell

The Blue portion of the Espantoon is mistaken most often as the handle of the stick, This is actually
the striking end, it is called a Barrel Head, this too most likely comes as the result of an error
As in most Blunt force weapons, the striking end is called Burl Head. In the Tomahawk

1920's Baltimore Police Issue

21317920 10211220883901382 1881911624495296007 n

Issued Stick 1937 - 1977
Rev. W. Gibbs McKenney & Rev. John D. Longenecker

Stick 1

Issued Stick 1937 - 1977
Rev. W. Gibbs McKenney & Rev. John D. Longenecker

Issued Stick 1937 - 1977
Rev. W. Gibbs McKenney & Rev. John D. Longenecker
This has one edge shaved flat so it would stay in place without popping out every time we turn a sharp corner or hit a pothole.
The flat spot helps keep it in place when it's forced between the dashboard padding and the transmission hump.

Issued Stick 1937 - 1977
Rev. W. Gibbs McKenney & Rev. John D. Longenecker
There was a time in the mid 50's that officers would shave the Barrel Head of their Espantoon
Taking it from convex to flat/straight then add or re-cut grooves in the new Barrelhead

72 DSC5243

Issued Stick 1937 - 1977
Rev. W. Gibbs McKenney & Rev. John D. Longenecker
This is another case of someone attempting to straighten the convex, "Barrelhead"

Issued Stick 1987

Issued Stick 1937 - 1977
Rev. W. Gibbs McKenney & Rev. John D. Longenecker

Jim Brock
Perfection Collection
Rev. W. Gibbs McKenney & Rev. John D. Longenecker Model
Circa 2015

Non-Issue Stick 1937 - 1977
Rev. W. Gibbs McKenney & Rev. John D. Longenecker

Stick 2

Non-Issued Stick 1937 - 1977
Rev. W. Gibbs McKenney & Rev. John D. Longenecker
This belonged to a family friend named Dorothy Wilham aka Aunt Dotty
Aunt Dotty was an older lady, she worked Security at Sparrows Point
When she gave it to my mother i was about 12 years old
and she told us it was a former City Police officer friend of hers

Carl Hagen turned sold through Howard Uniform
circa 1965

Carl Hagen

Carl Hagen

This is an early Carl Hagen Stick, it came while he was still turning them to the size of an issue stick, and isn't too far off of the standard issue stick, he just added a few things to make it stand out from the issue stick, and turned it from an oak.

1img169

P/O Wheatley holding a Carl Hagen Stick, notice how Carl rounded the top of his stick,

Carl Hagen
1955 - 1979
This is one of Carls first unique designs, it was done solely by him and became a popular design from his sticks. In the next pic, we'll see Officer Ray Wheatley holding a Carl Hagen Espantoon, it is more of an issue cut, but with a modern (at the time) cut, the cut that ended up being refined into the sticks we saw turned by Ed Bremer and Joe Hlafka.

Jim Brock
Perfection Collection
Carl Hagen Model
Circa 2015

Jim Brock
Perfection Collection Thin Blue Line Stick
Carl Hagen Model
Circa 2015

Prior to Issued Sticks 1954 - 1960
Rev. W. Gibbs McKenney & Carl Hagen
At some point when McKenney had retired from turning sticks, he had donated his lathe and tools to a boy's school out west, and before meeting Reverend Longenecker, McKenney he had met Carl Hagen and showed him how to turn sticks, for whatever reason, Carl turned some sticks for Howard Uniform, he just didn't get the 500+ stick a year contracts from Howard Uniform that the Reverends McKenney & Longenecker received.

Carl Hagen
1955 - 1979

Jim Brock
Perfection Collection Lignum vitae #001 Stick
Lignum vitae is on top 10 lists of hardest woods
depending on the list it is either 2nd or 4th
One might be how dense the wood is, while the other might be
how dense the guy/gal is that is trying to spelling Lignum Vitae
Joe Hlafka Model
Circa 2015

Ed Bremer
1974 - 1977

Jim Brock
Edward Bremer Model
Circa 2015

1977 - 2007
P/O Joe Hlafka

Joe Hlafka

1987 - I bought this from Joe Hlafka direct apparently someone ordered it, paid half down and before it was done they found their stick and told Joe, they didn't need it anymore, could he sell it to someone for the remainder of the balance, I was the lucky guy that talked to Joe about a stick, and he gave me the stick for $12.00. I have replaced the thong twice, had it I say stolen once, the guy that took it, called it found. How you can find an espantoon in the trunk of a patrol car and not think it must belong to someone. Not to mention DRISCOLL is written around the stick in blue sharpie by the Ring Stop - Anyway, it is a 30 plus-year-old stick.

I turned this myself

1990 - I put the extra groove on the shaft because after carrying it for a day or two I realized the stick felt good, weight was nice, but the shaft was too think to hold on while swinging it, So I taped the thong to the Barrelhead with Duct tape, and put the stick back on the lathe. After shaving the shaft to a comfortable grip, I was done, pulled the tape and it was a spinner, or umm, I mean a winner,

72 irish DSC5119

Irish Shillelagh

This is to point out the striking part of this weapon, that blunt looking rock, or fist shaped portion at the end of this weapon and any blunt force weapon is called the "Burl Head". On the Espantoon the blunt striking end resembles and is often mistaken for the weapon's handle is called the "Barrel Head." Most likely stemming from a misunderstanding caused by Baltimore's southern drawl or bad "accent," causing a listener to misunderstand what a speaker may have said, Burl Head to thinking the speaker said, "Barrel Head." In 1987 when an old timer told me, he even pointed to the shape and, said, this is because this looks like a wine or whiskey barrel. Truth be told, it wasn't a barrel at all, it's a burl.

Truncheon

The Truncheon was not an American Nightstick, Daystick or Baton, and while one might think they would work perfect as a daytime stick. Most officers found simply cutting off an old espantoon worked best because of the way we were trained to use and Espantoon. A cut off version fit our training better than these other impact weapons.

72 DSC5234

A Daystick

During day work officers were not allowed to carry a nightstick, so they carried a shorter version that could be kept out of public view, Some officers were known to take an older nightstick, cut it down to about half it's normal length on the shaft and cary those during day shifts. During winter months these slipped into the officer coat pocket, summer months they slipped into the back pocket. Officers also carried, Blackjacks, and later Slapjacks.

Carl Hagen 1957 77s

Barrel Head

This is the Barrel or Burl Head of one of Carl Hagen's early sticks - This Rounded off top end was exclusive to Carl Hagen, and was found more on the West side of Baltimore than the East. The Eastside Espantoons saw more of a two or three tiered layers each with a hard edge that sat atop the espantoon like a crown on top the barrel head end of the stick. If we look at Carl's earlier stuff, he had a two or three-tiered top edge also, but it wasn't a hard edge. Carl had a super soft, smooth transition going tier to tier on the barrel head.

Ed Bremer 1974 77s

Barrel Head

This is the Barrel Head from one of Ed Bremer's early sticks, he put what he called a "Nib" on the top of all his Barrel head. Mr. Bremer felt he saved lives, both of Officers and Suspects because as he once said, "Nightsticks Save Lives, Preventing Officers from a need to escalate from hand-to-hand combat to the use of a firearm." The faster we can get a suspect into cuffs the safer it is for both the officer and the suspect. This stick is turned from Lignum vitae, a wood that was banned by the department as it was too heavy, hard and they felt could cause serious injury or death.

Some Reference Articles for Our Private Use

http://www.baltimorepolicemuseum.org/Espantoon/The_Baltimore_Sun_Sun__Nov_20__1960__1a.jpg
http://www.baltimorepolicemuseum.org/Espantoon/The_Baltimore_Sun_Sun__Nov_20__1960__2a.jpg
http://www.baltimorepolicemuseum.org/Espantoon/The_Baltimore_Sun_Sun__Nov_20__1960__3a.jpg
http://www.baltimorepolicemuseum.org/Espantoon/The_Baltimore_Sun_Sun__Nov_20__1960__4a.jpg

**** Theories are as plentiful in the word Espantoon as they are in just about anything police related, and there are a lot of theories!

Therefore we won't present anything in this section as fact, just something to think about.

Ideas, suggestions and theories that have come about from newspaper articles, and conversations with guys that have used them, collected, and studied them for years. Some of this will be covered throughout this page, but we will try to mention it and other ideas about the name(s) for Baltimore's baton in this section.

For many years there have been suggestions that Espantoon was a spelling error for Espontoon - A "Spontoon," also known by the variant in the spelling of "Espontoon" is a half-pike, a type of European polearm that came into being alongside the pike. The spontoon was in wide use by the mid 17th century, and it continued to be used until the mid to late 19th century. Others say Espantoon could have derived from the Spanish verb "espan·tar" which, is said to mean, "Frighten, Terrify, or to chase one off?" This theory has often been used, in fact, many Spanish-speaking researchers have suggested that it could be intentional; due to ESPANTO's meaning. So putting the two together we would have Espanto and spontoon which equals Espantoon a pike weapon made to scare. or chase off a potential threat. We will find elsewhere on this page how the Espantoon can end a threat just as the racking of a shotgun or growl of a K9. I am sure anyone that has ever drawn an Espantoon or Baton from a nightstick ring will tell you, the act of taking out the weapon will often stop a threat, or potential threat before ever having to be used.

Mispronunciations, in looking at the parts of the Espantoon. Starting with the striking end; for years everyone that knew the parts called this the "Barrel-Head." Old timers not only said it was the Barrel-Head but pointed out how it is convex and looks like a Barrel as a reason for it's receiving it's name. We are including a photo below of our "Nomenclature stick," in the photo the Barrel-Head is painted "Blue." This looks like and is often mistaken for the handle of our baton, however, for us [ Baltimore Police ] it is the "Striking" or "Jabbing" end. We hold it by the shaft, [ The section painted "Black" and labeled "Grip" ] which in other agencies, would be the striking end. If we were using the baton to jab, we would put our strong-hand on the lower end of the shaft, and our weak-hand just under the "Ring-Stop." With this, we could easily thrust the Barrel-Head forward [generally into the stomach] in a jabbing motion, hopefully ending their attack, or threat quickly and with little to no injury to ourselves of the adversary." ]

Oddly enough in other such blunt-end weapons, such as the "Irish Shillelagh" or the "African Knobkierrie" both having either a naturally formed or man-made blunt striking end. The defense-end on these weapons is called the "Burl head." Which raises the question; could it be that someone years ago, heard, or perhaps even said, "Burl-Head" but was misunderstood and believed to have said, "Barrel head?" After all, Baltimore has a mix of Southern and Northern accents that can often be misunderstood.

This mispronunciation brings us to another theory, in that perhaps Espantoon, isn't a misspelling of Espontoon, but a mispronunciation or misunderstanding of, "A spontoon." Said fast enough, and with a Baltimore accent that turned, Burl-Head into Barrel head; could give us Espantoon out of, "A spontoon."

Again, this is just theory, something to think about. Because after more than 200 years no matter how, or why it became an Espantoon, with a Barrel head; it is now and will remain an Espantoon, with a Barrel head.

If you look at most photographs, you'll notice officers carrying their espantoon with the barrel head out. This practice has been the way Baltimore police officers have carried their sticks going back to the late 1700's and the early 1800s. It is what makes a nightstick in Baltimore an espantoon. The espantoon, known as a nightstick in other jurisdictions, is a traditional symbol of authority for Baltimore police officers. Its unique design with the barrel (or burl) head carried outward, is for self-defense and crowd control. Its uniqueness is believed to have originated here in the late 18^th century and has been consistently followed by our police ever since. With the barrel head facing outward, it allows for quick and effective strikes, and or jabs while maintaining a non-threatening appearance. This longstanding practice showcases the rich history and traditions of the Baltimore police force. The distinctive carrying style has become an iconic feature of Baltimore's law enforcement history and also serves as a visual representation of their role in maintaining law and order while reflecting the city's deep-rooted connection to its policing heritage.

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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.

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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

Espantoon

Espantoon Info/History

Wallpaper

Woodworkers that Turned Baltimore Espantoons
1939 / 2007

1939 / 1957 – Rev W. Gibbs McKenney - Made BPD Issue - Sold to Howard Uniform - 10,000 hickory 2,000 redwood over 20 yrs

1957 / 1977 – Rev. John D. Longenecker - Made BPD Issue - Sold to Howard Uniform - 10,000 hickory 2,000 redwood over 20 yrs

1955 / 1979 – Carl Hagen - Made BPD Issue & his own Stick - Sold to Howard Uniform and Officers - 2.000 various wood types over 24 yrs

1974 / 1977 – Edward Bremer - Made his own Stick – Sold to Officers - 300 various wood types over 3 yrs

1977 / 2007 – P/O Joe Hlafka - Made his own Stick - Sold to Officers and Police Supply Shops - 10,000 various wood types over 37 yrs

1920's Baltimore Police Issue

21317920 10211220883901382 1881911624495296007 n

Issued Stick 1937 - 1977
Rev. W. Gibbs McKenney & Rev. John D. Longenecker

Stick 1

Issued Stick 1937 - 1977
Rev. W. Gibbs McKenney & Rev. John D. Longenecker

72 DSC5243

Issued Stick 1937 - 1977
Rev. W. Gibbs McKenney & Rev. John D. Longenecker
This is another case of someone attempting to straighten the convex, "Barrelhead"

Issued Stick 1987

Issued Stick 1937 - 1977
Rev. W. Gibbs McKenney & Rev. John D. Longenecker

Jim Brock
Perfection Collection
Rev. W. Gibbs McKenney & Rev. John D. Longenecker Model
Circa 2015

Non-Issue Stick 1937 - 1977
Rev. W. Gibbs McKenney & Rev. John D. Longenecker

Stick 2

Carl Hagen turned sold through Howard Uniform
circa 1965

Carl Hagen

Carl Hagen

1img169

P/O Wheatley holding a Carl Hagen Stick, notice how Carl rounded the top of his stick,

Jim Brock
Perfection Collection
Carl Hagen Model
Circa 2015

Jim Brock
Perfection Collection Thin Blue Line Stick
Carl Hagen Model
Circa 2015

Carl Hagen
1955 - 1979

Ed Bremer
1974 - 1977

Jim Brock
Edward Bremer Model
Circa 2015

1977 - 2007
P/O Joe Hlafka

Joe Hlafka

I turned this myself

72 irish DSC5119

Irish Shillelagh

Truncheon

72 DSC5234

A Daystick

Carl Hagen 1957 77s

Barrel Head
This is the Barrel or Burl Head of one of Carl Hagen's early sticks - This Rounded off top end was exclusive to Carl Hagen, and was found more on the West side of Baltimore than the East. The Eastside Espantoons saw more of a two or three tiered layers each with a hard edge that sat atop the espantoon like a crown on top the barrel head end of the stick. If we look at Carl's earlier stuff, he had a two or three-tiered top edge also, but it wasn't a hard edge. Carl had a super soft, smooth transition going tier to tier on the barrel head.

Ed Bremer 1974 77s

Barrel Head
This is the Barrel Head from one of Ed Bremer's early sticks, he put what he called a "Nib" on the top of all his Barrel head. Mr. Bremer felt he saved lives, both of Officers and Suspects because as he once said, "Nightsticks Save Lives, Preventing Officers from a need to escalate from hand-to-hand combat to the use of a firearm." The faster we can get a suspect into cuffs the safer it is for both the officer and the suspect. This stick is turned from Lignum vitae, a wood that was banned by the department as it was too heavy, hard and they felt could cause serious injury or death.

Some Reference Articles for Our Private Use

**** Theories are as plentiful in the word Espantoon as they are in just about anything police related, and there are a lot of theories!

Therefore we won't present anything in this section as fact, just something to think about.

Oddly enough in other such blunt-end weapons, such as the "Irish Shillelagh" or the "African Knobkierrie" both having either a naturally formed or man-made blunt striking end. The defense-end on these weapons is called the "Burl-Head." Which raises the question; could it be that someone years ago, heard, or perhaps even said, "Burl-Head" but was misunderstood and believed to have said, "Barrel-Head?" After all, Baltimore has a mix of Southern and Northern accents that can often be misunderstood.

This mispronunciation brings us to another theory, in that perhaps Espantoon, isn't a misspelling of Espontoon, but a mispronunciation or misunderstanding of, "A spontoon." Said fast enough, and with a Baltimore accent that turned, Burl-Head into Barrel-Head; could give us Espantoon out of, "A spontoon."

Again, this is just theory, something to think about. Because after more than 200 years no matter how, or why it became an Espantoon, with a Barrel-head; it is now and will remain an Espantoon, with a Barrel-Head.

POLICE INFORMATION

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

Baltimore Police History

Historical Events Calendar

sun

mon

tue

wed

thu

fri

sat

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.
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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

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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

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