Officer Frederick Tierney was shot and killed while responding to a break-in.

On October 20, 1919 Officers Frederick F. Tierney, Jesse F. Shepherd, and Vincent D. Crowley responded to a break-in at the Crescent Cigar Store at 1211 Baltimore Avenue - a popular gambling house that had closed just three days earlier as a result of an anti-vice campaign. An employee of the Dixon Hotel at 12th Street and Baltimore Avenue called police when he heard the noise of the attempted break-in. The officers arrived as the 4 or 5 men were attempting to blow off the door of the safe with a charge of nitroglycerin. A gunfight ensued, and Officer Tierney chased one of the men down Baltimore Avenue. Officer Tierney caught him, and a struggle followed. Officer Tierney was knocked to the ground, as as he lay there, the man shot him.

As the burglar fled, Officer Tierney remained conscious long enough to empty his weapon in the man's direction. Crowley and Shepherd were able to capture only one of the burglars that morning. Officer Tierney died that afternoon at General Hospital.

Frederick F. Tierney, 21, had been a member of the police department for two years and was assigned to Station #4. He was survived by his parents, Michael and Anna Tierney. Interred: Mount St. Mary's Cemetery.

Article by Brent Marchant