Officer Robert M. Hurley

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On this day in Baltimore Police History 1973, we lost our brother, Officer Robert M. Hurley, to a heart attack. Officer Hurley was involved in a car chase one day earlier, on March 28, 1973. This was more than a simple chase; this went on for a little longer than normal; it went on through more than one district; it resulted in a bailout, a foot chase, and a struggle before the suspect would be taken into custody. Afterward, Officer Hurley told others that after the chase, the accident, and the struggle, he didn’t feel right; he felt excited, anxious, and different from normal.

He went home from work not feeling well. He had told his wife about a car chase, the foot chase, and the struggle, and how he was a little tired and sore. As he put it, “I am just not feeling right.” This is coming from a guy who never complained, to say, “I just don’t feel right!”. The next day, while driving into work in his nearly brand new 1972 Chevy Impala, he felt a tightness in his chest. Then,  all of a sudden, Officer Hurley grabbed his chest. He was in severe pain, and his car began swerving back and forth in the street. Concerned for those around him and their safety, he worked to bring the car under control. At one point, witnesses say they could see he was having trouble and that he was in pain. A store owner who knew him knew he was having a heart attack; he was heading the wrong way into traffic and somehow still managed to prevent a head-on. He brought his car to rest against a pole and parked car, with little damage to either. A witness who was taking his wife to a nearby banquet (but running late) saw the start of these events as Officer Hurley first began grabbing his chest at a red light. The witness went on to drop his wife off at the banquet and came back to tell how heroic it was for a man in desperate pain to still divert an accident, bringing the car to rest without injuring anyone.

There was a minor traffic accident, but it could have been a lot worse. The heart attack took Officer Hurley from us that day; it came on as a result of the excitement and an injury Officer Hurley had the night before. He was injured, but no one knew; he had told everyone he didn’t quite feel right, but there were no visible injuries, so no one knew. That was when the heart attack occurred. One day after that, with the severe chest pains he received during a vehicle pursuit, he would die. But even then, he would die a hero, with more concerns for the safety of those around him than for the safety of himself.

Funeral services for patrolmen Robert M. Hurley, an 18-year-old veteran of the Baltimore Police Department, was held on April 2, 1973, at 1 PM at the Schimunek funeral establishment, 3331 Brehms Lane. Patrolman Hurley died of a heart attack on Thursday, March 29, 1973, while on his way home from work. He was 46 years old. Patrolman Robert M. Hurley was born in Baltimore, attended city schools, and once worked at Bethlehem Steel Corporation as a welder. In 1944, Patrolman Hurley joined the Navy and served as a gunner’s mate 3rd class in the Pacific. He was a charter member of the Baltimore City Police Union and was on the personnel board. He was the 2nd-place president of the Union at the time of his death. Patrolman Hurley was also a co-founder and charter member of Police Council #27. He was survived by his wife Angelina Hurley and their three sons, “Bruce, Robert, and Patrick Hurley,” as well as his three daughters, “Cynthia, Sharon, and Donna Marie Hurley.” He also left behind two granddaughters. All are of Baltimore; also surviving are a brother, Edgar Hurley, and his sister, Joan Hurley.

We, his brothers and sisters of the Baltimore Police Department, will not let him be forgotten. RIP Officer Robert M. Hurley and God bless For your service, "honor" the City of Baltimore and the Baltimore Police Department."

On this day in Baltimore Police History 1935, we lost our brother police officer Max Hirsch to an on-the-job injury based on the following:

Patrolman Max Hirsch of the Southern District was still unconscious at South Baltimore General Hospital on February 14, 1935, more than 16 hours after he had been injured in a fall at a garage in the rear of 614 Light St. during a commercial burglary investigation.  While patrolling his post, Officer Hirsh received information of a burglary in progress. Upon arrival at the location, he found an open door. During a meticulous search of the property, he made his way up to the second floor and continued his search. This part of the building was cluttered, unstable, and unsafe. As he searched, he came upon a suspect in hiding. This part of the events has become blurred; some say the suspect may have struggled with Officer Hirsch pushing him, which caused the fall; others say the man startled Officer Hirsch as he jumped up and ran; Officer Hirsch gave chase, apparently forgetting where he was, and then fell through an already weakened floor. In either case, the suspect was never seen or heard from again, and he was also never captured.

Because the witness who gave Officer Hirsch the information was anonymous too, for all we know, it could have been a set-up. We will never know. There were no leads to follow, no clues, and nowhere for the detectives to go for leads. The case was cold before it began.

Physicians said he had a “Probable Fractured Skull” as he staggered into a Fire House located at Light and Montgomery Streets, It was 6 AM, his hat was missing, and he asked for help as he said, “I fell." Authorities at the time were able to learn from him that he climbed to the second floor of the garage as part of an on-view, in-progress burglary investigation he stumbled upon while working his post. He was able to explain that he fell through the concrete of the second floor to the first floor below before making his way to the firehouse for medical attention and before being taken to South Baltimore General, where he would later succumb to his injuries. He wasn't clear in describing his confrontation with the suspect before slipping into what would become more than 16 hours of unconsciousness. He would eventually succumb to his injuries.

At 2 PM the following Sunday, a funeral service was held at his home at 3354 Park Heights Ave. for our brother, Patrolman Hirsh.  Rabbi Israel Tabak, of the Shaael Zion congregation, officiated the burial, which was held in the Harry Run Cemetery. The police guard and his fellow officers from the Southern District were in attendance.

We take this time to remember him and thank him for his service and sacrifice. We, his brothers and sisters of the Baltimore Police Department, will not let him be forgotten. God bless you and rest in peace.

Officer Charles M. Hilbert

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On this day in Baltimore City Police History 1950, we lost our brother police officer, Charles M. Hilbert. On August 4, 1950, Officer Hilbert, a recent appointee to the police force, was killed in the line of duty when he was struck by an automobile as he was directing traffic at the corner of Potee Street and Patapsco Avenue. The striking vehicle was being operated by a drunk driver who was heading in the wrong direction and ignoring the officer’s instructions. The impact threw Officer Hilbert into the air and up against a street pole, causing him to be transported to South Baltimore General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead from his injuries. Officer Hilbert was a US Army veteran of WWII. He had served with the Baltimore Police Department for 2 months and was survived by his wife.

We, his brothers and sisters of the Baltimore Police Department, won’t let him be forgotten, RIP Officer Charles M. Hilbert: "Your service "Honored" the City of Baltimore and the Baltimore Police Department."

Special Agent Samuel Hicks

Former Baltimore Police Officer

The Slain Agent: Samuel Hicks 'Was so Good at What he Did'

 

Samuel was an Eagle Scout in Westmoreland Fayette Boy Scouts of America Council, loved to snowboard and entered the national boardercross circuit while attending the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown (UPJ), surfed, was a certified scuba diver, barrel raced his quarter horse named Dusty, played soccer, played guitar, was an artist, played ice hockey for UPJ, and served community service.

Start in Law Enforcement 

Joins the FBI 

United States Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Government

End of Watch: Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Special Agent Samuel Hicks was shot and killed while serving a narcotics search warrant at a home in Indiana Township, Pennsylvania. As Agent Hicks and other agents took the male subject into custody, the man's wife fired a shot blindly from the bedroom, fatally wounding Agent Hicks.

In January 2011, the female subject pleaded guilty to manslaughter and weapons charges and was sentenced to 15 years in prison. Agent Hicks had served with the FBI for 18 months and had previously served with the Baltimore, Maryland, Police Department for two years.

He is survived by his wife and 2-year-old son.

Samuel S. Hicks
1974–2008

Special Agent Samuel S. Hicks was killed on November 19, 2008, while executing a federal arrest warrant associated with the takedown of a violent drug trafficking organization near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Upon entering the subject’s house to make the arrest, Special Agent Hicks was shot and killed; the subject was subsequently taken into custody. The planned arrest was the culmination of a year-long investigation involving multiple federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Watch a video on Agent Hicks’ name being added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and read the Director's remarks at a funeral service for Special Agent Hicks.

This is the official history site of the Baltimore Police Department. It depicts the history of the department as it was originally conceived and told by the retired officer, William M. Hackley. Sadly, Officer Hackley passed away on March 15, 2012, leaving his site to Ret. Det. Kenny Driscoll. It took a month or so to take full responsibility for the site and its content. The thoughts and use of certain items, terms, sounds, and implications are not necessarily those that would be agreed upon by the Baltimore Police Department as an official government agency. Likewise, we do not seek their permission or approval to post the things we post, and as such, nothing on these pages should be held against them.

The intent of this site is more than just to tell our history; it is to have everyone remember our injured and fallen heroes, those who, in the performance of their duties, were called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice.

So as you surf these pages, you will see the Baltimore Police Department from its infancy, showing the crude methods of policing in the 1700's through the 1800's and becoming the modern, highly efficient department that it has become today.

Enjoy the site for what it is: a rendition of the proud history of one of this country’s finest police departments, one for which those of us who have worked it are proud of and honored to have served. The many men and women that still proudly serve, and those that someday will serve.

Police Officer Milton Heckwolf

On this day, February 9, 1926, we lost our brother, police officer Milton Heckwolf, to a line of duty Illness based on the following:

LETTERS to the EDITOR

The Sun (1837–1989); Jul 7, 1926; p. . 8

Limitations of the police pension fund, explained by Commissioner Gaither

To the editor of the sun: Sir: my husband was an officer of the central police station from August 7, 1922, until February 9, 1926, this being the date of his death. A great many people think that I am well provided for by the Police Department of the city of Baltimore. But all that I’ve received is the paltry sum of $770 to rear and educate three children, the oldest of whom is only 12 years old. Also, I’ve had to work from the time my husband entered the police force until present time. I asked about his pension or an allowance for my children and received the cold reply that there is no provision for such in the state of Maryland and that my husband died a natural death.

This much I do know—that my husband contracted his illness while on duty helping the firemen while fighting a fire at the Ainslee apartment. The hose burst and he caught his death of cold by getting dripping wet and continued to patrol his post for the rest of the night.

From the severe cold developed the flu; double pneumonia and pleurisy followed. It was mighty heartbreaking to stand by, watch and administer to his every want in vain.

Now I am left a burden to the old folk, for most of this death benefit has been devoured by the funeral expenses and doctor bills.

I have been told that my husband was always on the job, had been cited for bravery, and was well thought of at the central station. And that he had many friends on his post, but of all the friends he had, there isn’t one of them that has been to see me since he has been buried to ask me how I am getting along or if there is anything they could do. Not that I want anything for myself! With the help of God, no, but something should be done for my children.

I also extended my sympathy to the wives of those officers that have been shot, and I am glad to know that they are being given more consideration than was given me, but it only proves that an officer must meet a tragic death in some way while on duty before the widow and children are provided for after the husband’s death.

I am sure there are more widows of police officers who will reason with me on this point.

Mrs. Milton Heckwolf

Police Commissioner Charles D Gaither says, in reference to the above letter, that there is nothing in the records of the Police Department to show that patrolman had Wolf died from any other than natural causes. This being the case, Mrs. Hickwolf does not receive a pension because the law provides life pension only for the widows a policeman who were killed or died from injuries received in the performance of their public duty. The $770 which Mrs. Hickwolf received was provided by the police benefit Association, which raises its funds by appropriating weekly amounts from the salaries of its members in the department. A new insurance preposition was put into effect one July, increasing this amount to $1500 to be paid to the beneficiaries at time of death of those policeman who elect to become policyholders.

Police Officer George D. Hart

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On this day in Baltimore Police History 2 Jan 1925 we lost our brother, Police Officer George D. Hart - Officer Hart died from injuries received when his motorcycle and a car collided at University Parkway and Charles Street on November 16, 1924. Officer Hart, who was married, died of his injuries on January 2, 1925. Officer Hart entered the department on March 27, 1924 We his brothers and sisters of the Baltimore Police department will not let him be forgotten, as we take this time to remember him and thank him for his service and sacrifice.

On this day in Baltimore Police History 2 Jan 1925 we lost our brother Police Officer George D Hart to a motor vehicle accident based on the following:

Patrolman George D Hart of the Northern District was struck by automobile and injured seriously while on his motorcycle and crossing Charles Street at University Parkway. He was taken to Union Memorial Hospital where he was to be treated for multiple injuries to include a fractured skull, broken leg, and numerous internal injuries. His chances for survival were not good. The driver of the striking vehicle was Harry W. Rogers Jr., he was arrested at the scene and charged with, failing to give the right away to Pedestrian, and assaulting Officer Hart. He would later be released pending the outcome of Officer Hart’s medical treatment, (they were already contemplating the possibility of manslaughter charges and with the risk of over or under charging). The suspect, Rogers said, “A streetcar blocked his view preventing him from seeing Officer Hart, until it was too late, and he was right up on him.” - On 2 January 1925 Patrolman George D Hart died from the injuries received in the 16 November accident.

Officer George D. Hart was with the Baltimore Police Department for 6 months and was the first officer to die in the line of duty as the result of a motorcycle accident.

The following are excerpts from newspaper reports from 1924/1925

PATROLMAN RUN DOWN - 17 November 1924
Patrolman is Hurt Seriously when Struck by Machine

The Sun Paper wrote - Patrolman George D Hart, of the Northern District, was struck by an automobile and seriously injured while crossing Charles Street at University Parkway. He was taken to union Memorial hospital, where he was said to have suffered a broken leg and internal injuries.
The Suspect in this case Harry W. Rogers Jr, was arrested and charged with failing to give the right away to a pedestrian and with assaulting Officer Hart. Rodgers said the streetcar prevented him from seeing Officer Hart until it was too late.

The next time we would hear of this would be almost 46 days later, when the Sun Papers would repost the following: 

PATROLMAN DIES OF INJURIES - 2 January 1925
GEORGE D HART PATROLMAN DIES OF INJURIES
George D Hart was Hurt November 16, 1925 in a Traffic Accident
Patrolman George D Hart of Baltimore's Northern District died early this morning (2 Jan 1925) at Union Memorial Hospital from the injuries received on 16 November 1924 after his motorcycle collided with an automobile at University Parkway and Charles Street. That Automobile was being operated by Henry Rogers, Jr. Mr. Rodgers would be arrested at the time, but was the later released pending the outcome of Patrolman Hart's injuries. Officer Hart received a fractured skull, and numerous internal and external injuries in the collision. The suspect in this case, Mr. Rogers lives in the Carolina apartments

As his brother and sister members of the Baltimore Police Department, we will not let him be forgotten, For his service honored the City of Baltimore, and the Baltimore Police Department. May he rest in peace, and may God bless him.

‪#‎BPDNeverForget‬

Sgt. Richard P. Harris

A police sergeant was killed in crash on Pulaski Highway

October 15, 1994|By Peter Hermann | Peter Hermann,Sun Staff Writer Sun staff writer Elaine Tassy contributed to this article.

Baltimore police yesterday were mourning an off-duty sergeant killed in a car crash being investigated as alcohol-related, one week after a Baltimore County officer died in a similar accident.

Sgt. Richard P. Harris, 35, a 13-year veteran who lived with his wife and three children in Parkville, was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident, which occurred about 5:45 a.m. in the 6200 block of Pulaski Highway in East Baltimore. Sergeant Harris, driving a 1994 Ford Mustang, apparently tried to make a U-turn when he was broadsided by a pickup truck.

His passenger and colleague, Officer Jesse K. Schmidt, 38, who has been on the force for four years, suffered internal abdominal injuries and was listed in critical condition at Johns Hopkins Bayview Hospital.

Three others—two civilian passengers in Sergeant Harris' car and the truck's driver—were also injured. One remained in critical condition late yesterday; two others were resting at home.

The accident occurred exactly one week after Scott Michael Kern, a rookie Baltimore County police officer, died in an alcohol-related accident that left one colleague seriously injured and another charged with drunken driving.

All three officers had been at a Parkville bar called Strapps.

Investigators released a few details about yesterday's accident. Sam Ringgold, a city police spokesman, said autopsy results were not available as of last night.

Traffic investigators found two beer bottles inside the sergeant's car, police said. A source close to the investigation said both officers had visited McCallister's bar in Northeast Baltimore after their shift ended at 11 p.m. until the 2 a.m. closing time. Where they were between then and the accident was unknown, police said.

Maj. Bert Shirey, commander of the Northeastern District, where both officers were assigned, said, "Sergeant Harris was well liked and respected in the station house. He will be missed very much."

Sergeant Harris was assigned to the Northeastern District in 1990 upon his promotion. He supervised six officers assigned to foot and bicycle patrols in communities along Sinclair Lane.

"He was the kind of sergeant I liked because he got the job done," Major Shirey said. "Tell him what you want done, and you are assured that you don't have to follow up with him all the time."

Sergeant Harris is survived by his wife, Phyllis, a 15-year-old daughter, and 11- and 7-year-old sons.

Family members said they did not want to talk about the accident. The sergeant's neighbor, John Irlbacher, a retired 25-year veteran of the Baltimore County Police Department, said the sergeant was "friendly with everyone in the neighborhood."

His death, Mr. Irlbacher said, choking back sobs, "hits a little hard."

The sergeant supervised Officer Schmidt, who patrolled on foot in the Hollander Ridge neighborhood. He has a wife and two children.

"He was just a very enthusiastic and dedicated officer," Major Shirey said. "He definitely made a difference in that neighborhood. I remember seeing him walking patrol with mud up to his belt. He said he just chased a drug suspect through the woods. He was right back on patrol without cleaning himself up."

Police said the car driven by Sergeant Harris and a 1994 Chevrolet pickup driven by George E. Young, 37, of the 3800 block of Dunsmuir Circle in Middle River, were headed east on Pulaski Highway.

A police source said witnesses gave investigators two accounts. In one, Sergeant Harris tried to make a U-turn in front of the truck. On the other hand, the sergeant failed to make a U-turn and was backing up in the street when his car was struck.

The police spokesman, Mr. Ringgold, said the pickup truck hit the Mustang near the driver's-side door.

Two other people in the Mustang were also injured. Colleen Sneed, 32, of the 4800 block of Richard Ave., a barmaid at McCallister's, was listed in critical condition at Bayview. Her roommate, Joseph Huff, 22, a cook at the bar, was treated and released from Franklin Square Hospital.

The driver of the truck, Mr. Young, was also treated and released from Franklin Square Hospital.