Police Officer Jacob Zapp

Police Officer Jacob Zapp Baltimore City Police Department EOW:  Wednesday, July 15, 1891 Cause: Struck by train

On this day in Baltimore City Police History 1891, we lost our brother Police  Officer Jacob Zapp of the Southern District when he was struck a Baltimore and Ohio locomotive on Ostend Street near China Street in South Baltimore killing him instantly, . The officer was walking near the track during a thunderstorm and stepped across the rails to avoid a puddle of water.   Locomotive 634 was backing down the track. The rush of rain and the thunder prevented the patrolman from hearing the locomotive, and as his head was bowed to avoid the downpour he did not see it approaching until the locomotive was close to him. Then he raised his hand instinctively as if to stop the locomotive.   That was the last of him. Witnesses of the accident ran to the spot where it had occurred and were horrified at what they saw. The body had been so mangled that the remains were gathered together, could all be put in a two-foot soapbox and a cigar box. Patrolman Zapp was fifty-seven years of age and had been on the force since August 27, 1872.

We his brothers and sisters of the Baltimore Police Department will not let him be forgotten. God Bless, and rest in Peace. His service "Honored" the City of Baltimore and the Police Department - RIP Officer Zapp.