ZULAUF, JOHN GEORGE

Honoring & Remembering Maryland Fallen Heroes

Beth Steel/Sparrows Point FD ~ Baltimore County ~ Maryland

June 15, 1949

John George Zulauf was born in Canton in 1894 . At age 11, he went to work with a broom maker and continued in that trade until age 23 when he was hired by Baltimore County as a firefighter. He was first assigned to the Highlandtown Fire Department & after Highlandtown was annexed by Baltimore City, he worked out of Baltimore County’s Catonsville, Essex, & Dundalk stations. While at Dundalk, he was promoted to Captain.

In 1928, at the age of 34, Captain Zulauf left the BCoFD and went to work in the supply department at Beth Steel Sparrows Point. Two months later, management transferred him the Beth Steel Sparrows Point Fire Department to serve as the Assistant Chief of the department & in 1942 was appointed to the position of Chief.

On June 15, 1949, Chief Zulauf was on duty , driving to Fort Howard, when he suddenly fell ill & stopped at the home of a friend for help. He suffered a heart attack & died at the home of his friend before a physician arrived.

Chief Zulauf was a member, or honorary member, of numerous volunteer fire companies throughout the State of Maryland, an active member of his church, an active Masonic Lodge member , and a leader in the Sparrows Point Boy Scout Troop.

Chief John George Zulauf was 55 years old and had served for 32 years.