Funeral for former Chief of FD, Peter J. O'Connor 4-3-19

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Modified 12-May-19

Created 4-Apr-19

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Peter J. O’Connor, Jr., retired chief of the Baltimore City Fire Department was laid to rest at the Parkwood Cemetery in Baltimore on April 3, 2019. He was honored with full fire department services. He passed away on March 28 following complications from surgery at the age of 86.
Before joining the Fire Department O’Connor did a stint in the U.S. Army serving with the 11th Airborne during the Korean War.
He was appointed on June 9, 1954 and assigned to Engine 50 upon graduation. In 1960 he promoted to Lieutenant and was assigned to Engine 6 in “Oldtown”. In 1964 he was promoted to Captain where he spent time at Engine 20 in Walbrook and later at Engine 5 and Engine 34 in Fells Point. Six years later he promoted to Battalion Chief and was assigned to the 9th Battalion in Roland Park. Two and a half years later he transferred to the 11th Battalion in northwest Baltimore. In 1976 he was promoted to Battalion Commander.
In 1979 he was promoted again to the rank of Deputy Chief and was placed in charge of Fire Prevention, Fire Investigation, and Port Protection. While in this position he secured financial aid from the State of Maryland for the Marine Division of the Fire Department for the protection of the port. During this time O’Connor had also served as president of the Baltimore Fire Officers Association, Local 964 for about 10 years before being appointed as Chief of Fire Department on July 30, 1980 succeeding Thomas J. Burke. He was a very staunch supporter of the union and did all he could to help the rank and file with work related issues. He fought with then-Mayor William Donald Schaefer to keep fire houses from closing during budget hearings.
O’Connor was very proud of his Irish heritage and was a charter member of the Baltimore Fire Department’s Emerald Society. He helped to rejuvenate the Baltimore Saint Patrick’s Day Parade and was named the parade’s Grand Marshall in 1988.
He headed the Fire Department for 12 years before retiring on June 29, 1992 After his retirement he moved to Ocean City, MD and traveled the United Stated extensively, visiting all 50 states, as well as Ireland.
In 2003 a new fire station was built in Locust Point on East Fort Avenue housing Engine 26 and Truck 6. In 2006 the station was named “The Peter J. O’Connor Station” in his honor.
In addition to his son, Kevin B. O’Connor, survivors include a daughter, Karen O’Connor-Williams of Baltimore; a sister, Kathleen Grau of Baltimore; and two grandchildren. His wife of 52 years died in 2011.

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