One of the more distinctive features of the Shrine is the attractive display of National, State, Municipal and Departmental Colors which frame the Memorial display. The National, State and Municipal Colors were a gift from the Ensign C. Markland Kelly, Jr. Memorial Post #174 of the American Legion and the Exchange Club of Highlandtown.

Each of the 77 memorial plaques includes an authentic reproduction of a policeman's badge surrounded by a gold leaf appliqué. Additionally each plaque includes a reproduction of the Medal of Honor. The name, entrance date and the date of his death in the line of duty is also inscribed.

As one approaches the Memorial Shrine, located in the Baltimore Police Department's Museum, its thoughtful layout and design create a sense of reverence. The National Emblem, the plaque, colors and the eternal flame create an aura of tribute to those men who have given themselves in ,the performance of their duties.

For members of the Department and for the thousands of visitors who pass by the Shrine it represents not only a profound recognition of those heroic deeds of the past but a bright hope for the future. Hope in the knowledge that Officers of the Baltimore Police Department will not shrink from their sworn duty. That duty is a solemn trust. It will be kept.

The Baltimore Police Department's Memorial Shrine is unique in its design and purpose. Also unique is the manner in which it came into existence.

Deputy Commissioner Thomas J. Keyes is the man responsible for assuring that the concept was translated into a reality. He directed Lieutenant Thomas F. Hennessey ,to draft the conceptual design and also to advise how much of the work could be undertaken from within the Baltimore Police Department.

After extensive research and inquiry Lieutenant Hennessey advised Deputy Commissioner Keyes that the entire project could be done "in-house." Approval was given and nearly a year of intensive preparation made the June 11, 1974 dedication possible.

Lieutenant Hennessey assisted by Officer John F. McGahagan, Jr. hand crafted the Memorial Shrine. They cut the seventy-seven plaques from hardwood slabs, shaped them individually, then hand sanded, stained and varnished them. The large bronze-like plaque which is the focal point of the Shrine was fashioned, by hand, in like manner. The large plaque was constructed using a combination of plastic, plywood and masonite.

According to Major DiStefano who worked with Lieutenant Tom Hennessey in E&T, the wood that was used was poplar, a secondary, cabinet-grade wood, usually used in furniture construction where the wood wouldn't be seen, such as sofa frames, and the sides of drawers!

Lieutenant Hennessey selected poplar for two reasons: it was inexpensive when compared to other wood such as walnut, cherry, mahogany, or oak; second: it is a tight-grained wood that is easily and effectively stained to mimic those more-expensive hardwoods. The BCPD would not spend the money for the walnut, so Lieutenant Hennessey improvised those "walnut" plaques from the less-expensive poplar!

The police badges and medals of honor which are mounted on the plaques were rendered in a ceramic material.

Lieutenant Hennessey first fabricated the molds and then individually each representation of the badge and medal were hand cast, finished and glazed. These were centered and glued on the plaques.

The gold-leaf appliqué was added next. With the assistance of Officer Clifton F. White of the Laboratory Division the name of each fallen officer was hand lettered in Old English script. Plexiglas plates were affixed to each plaque to protect the intricate lettering.

Every item in the Memorial Shrine from the Baltimore Police Department shield centered at the top to the pedestal which supports the large memorial plaque was designed and constructed by these members of the Department. Their talent and dedication to the project is clearly evident to those who pause to review the fine Memorial which was the product of their efforts.

April 1975

How many do you remember? Sergeant Robert F. Fischer, Education and Training Division, who designed and constructed the scale models, recalls patrolling in a 1957 Ford Patrol Car. This new addition to the Department's Museum reviews the development of modes of transportation from 1895 to the present. Sergeant Fischer, who spent over 40 hours of his spare time on each model, constructed many of the vehicles from scratch using sheet plastic and a lot of patience. Extensive research and attention to detail makes it one of the most impressive displays in the Museum.

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Unfortunately not show in any picture here were a set of false teeth on display in the Baltimore City Police Museum that belonged to Officer Donald E. Fisher who joined the department in 1943. Officer Fisher was struck in the mouth with a crow bar during an incident on the streets of Baltimore. In 1956 he was shot in the mouth at North and Greenmount Avenue and the bullet lodged in his plate. He retired from the department on October 17, 1960 after serving in the Traffic Division, Motorcycle Unit.

He passed away on January 24, 2008 at the age of 89. He was living with his son, James Fisher in Westminster, Maryland. His son also served the Baltimore Police Department following in his father’s footsteps. James served in the Southern District and retired . Jim is currently serving with the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office.

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Major DiStefano watched as Lieutenant Hennessey, who had been an art teacher, applied those gilt letters, the wagon at that time was in the Northern District "stables" at the foot of the yard at the District. He learned about that process from a "master" of what is a dying art! Lieutenant Hennessey explained as to how those letters were first stenciled onto the wagon, then a coat of clear varnish was used to fill in the outlined lettering. When the varnish became "tacky", he then applied gold-foil guilt, very carefully, pushing it into contact with the varnish with a fine brush!