SEMAPHORES

sem·a·phore [sémmə fàwr]

n

1. system of signaling: a system for sending messages using hand-held flags that are moved to represent letters of the alphabet

2. mechanical signaling device: a signaling device for sending information over distances using mechanically operated arms or flags mounted on a post, especially on a railroad

Encarta ® World English Dictionary © & (P) 1998-2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

Officer John L. Weber

Born September 29, 1919 and died on December 16, 1999 at age 80. He was in the Baltimore City Fire Department stationed at #6 Truck in South Baltimore from 1947 until 1954. In 1954 he transferred to the police department until his retirement in 1966. He was assigned to Traffic for his entire tenure in the police department. He worked for both Capt. Klander and Lt. John Neussinger.

Below, pictured is his retirement badge.

His dedicated service Honored both the Baltimore Fire Department and the Baltimore Police Department.

3 Earlier Offenses Laid to Youth Shot by Police

October 15, 1951 Copied from the original newspaper article

Four burglary, robbery and theft charges had been placed last night against a 17-year old East Baltimore youth who was killed by a policeman early yesterday during an attempted holdup.

All the charges were marked on the docket at the Eastern Police station as “Abated by Death.”

Herbert Finnerty, a former inmate of the Maryland Training School for Boys was shot to death by Patrolman Elmer Weber of the Eastern District, who interrupted a holdup at a fruit stand at Eastern Avenue and Clinton Street.

Reported Beating Watchman

Patrolman Weber reported Finnerty was beating the 77 year old night watchman, Joseph Thanner, 3100 block of Foster Avenue, on the head with a pistol.

Mr. Thanner who was struck about fifteen times and received multiple head lacerations, remains in the City Hospital yesterday.

Patrolman Weber reported Finnerty wheeled, a pistol in hand and said “Your next, you flatfoot.”

The policeman drew his service pistol and fired one shot. The youth fell mortally wounded.

Burglary And Theft

The following three charges were placed against Finnerty last night.

1. Burglary at a grill in the 6500 block of Riverview Avenue on October 6, with the theft of $200.00.

2. Theft of $88.00 from his mother, Mrs. Margaret Finnerty at their home in the 1900  block of Fleet Street.

3. Theft of $34.00 September 29 from Mrs. Carrie Cooper of the 900 block South Streeper Street at her home.

Charged with Holdup

Earlier Finnerty had been charged with the holdup, beating and attempted robbery of Mr. Thanner.

Patrolman Weber was charged with causing Finnerty’s death and released in the custody of Captain August A. Gribbon, Eastern District Commander, pending a hearing.

The “Medal Of Honor” awarded to Patrolman Elmer Weber for his Heroism in the face of grave danger for the above incident.