Tour of Duty: Complexity of Police Work

Born and raised in Baltimore, Md., I accepted the position of police officer to help protect and support the people in my community. A far more involved, gratifying and responsible occupation than I had initially imagined, or perhaps even the public realizes. At the tender age of twenty one, I was charged with the working understanding of the law and its enforcement, as well as aspects of training given to legal scholars, doctors, attorneys and psychiatrists. All in order that we could make life or death decisions within split seconds, with only a high school education to qualify us at the time. During my twenty five years, I had personal friends killed and injured in uniform and plainclothes, both on and off duty, while trying to enforce the law. I arrested three armed holdup subjects, purse snatchers, countless thieves, and an unknown number of routine arrests during my uniform and car duties. I witnessed the smoke and broken glass shattered in the streets of Baltimore during the 1968 Riots. My town was a blaze and looked like a war zone.

In 1970 I had the privilege to serve in the elite Homicide Division with some great people. Their expertise, dedication and tenacity directed and assisted in numerous successful case conclusions. During which time I investigated homicides committed in every possible manner for what ever reason, including a serial murderer who dismembered his victims, a arson homicide that was unintended, as well as a residential killing that lead to cab holdups and murders.

I witnessed remarkable acts of courage and sacrifice by both uniformed and plainclothes personnel. In this book I have attempted to relate personal stories and events in an effort to enlighten the general public's awareness to the responsibilities, duties, sacrifices and the professionalism of our police.

Thank them all for their "Tour of Duty." May God bless and watch over each and every one who has taken the oath to become police officers throughout the world.

Steve Danko is the first in his family to serve in the Baltimore Police Department spanning the years 1962 to 1987. Afterwards he spent twenty four years as an insurance fraud investigator ending in retirement because of health reasons. A lifelong resident of Maryland he has resided in Severna Park, Md. for the past forty six years.