Patrolman Howard L. Pitts

On this day, December 6, 1931, we lost our brother, Patrolman Howard L. Pitts, to a line of duty illness based on the following:

OFFICER STRICKEN OPENING CALL BOX

Dec 7, 1931

The Sun (1837–1989); p. . 10

OFFICER STRICKEN OPENING CALL BOX

Patrolman Howard L Pitts
Dies Victim of Cerebral
Hemorrhage

CRIES OUT FOR AID

Bystanders Run To His Side
After He Falls To Street.
Widow Survives

Patrolman Howard L. Pitts, 47, was the victim of a cerebral hemorrhage yesterday morning, just as he was opening a call box at the corner of Baltimore and Smallwood streets to ring the Southwestern Police Station. He died in the Franklin Square Hospital about a half hour later.

James Stromer, 2221 West Baltimore Street, and Norbert Smith, 2225 West Baltimore Street, who were standing across the street from the patrolman when he reached for the box, heard him cough violently and ran to his assistance as the policeman cried out to them.

When they reached his side, Patrolman Pitts had fallen to the street. Unable to manipulate the box, the two men waited until Patrolman Edward Lawrence of the Western District, on his way to duty, descended from a trolley car a few minutes later and called the Southwestern district station. Patrolman Pitts was taken in An ambulance to the hospital, where he died at 11:59 a.m. He had been directing traffic in front of St. Martin's Catholic Church, at Fulton Avenue and Fayette Street, before he was struck.

Appointed In 1913

The policeman, who was appointed to the force in 1913, had been attached since to the Southwestern District Station.

He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Stella Pitts, of 512 South Bentalou street, four sisters and a brother