FLYNN, JAMES E.

Honoring & Remembering Maryland Fallen Heroes.

Baltimore County Fire Department ~ Baltimore County ~ Maryland

 October 13, 1910

For over 100 years,  Mt.Washington, Govans, Highlandtown, & Canton have been Baltimore City neighborhoods; however,prior to being annexed in 1919, those & several other current neighborhoods throughout the city, were part of Baltimore County.

 The neighborhood of Canton was home to the Baltimore County Fire Department Canton Engine House No.7 which housed horsedrawn steamer Engine No.7 & is also where James E. Flynn had been assigned since being hired in 1894 as Chief Engineer responsible for the departments steam fire engines.

In the spring of 1910, Chief Engineer Flynn was riding in a horsedrawn FD vehicle being driven by District Chief John Heinkle. The two were on their way to an inspection when suddenly the horse became frightened & bolted, Chief Engineer Flynn was thrown from the vehicle and went head on into a telegraph pole. He sustained serious injuries including a badly lacerated tongue. Flynn was confined to bed, his tongue became cancerous, and he could no longer eat. He died as a result of his injuries on October 13, 1910 .

James Flynn was born in Ireland. He came to Canton when he was in his early teens & became a machinist apprentice. After learning his trade ,he became the Chief Engineer of a Baltimore steamship company called the Bay Line Steamers. He was 44 years old when he was hired on as Chief Engineer of the BCoFD.

Baltimore County Fire Department Chief Engineer James Edward Flynn was 60 years old and had served in the fire service for 16 years.