Harry joined the Baltimore City Fire Department in August 1909 as a Pipeman. During his 16 years with the department, he worked his way up through the ranks. Appointed Lieutenant in 1921, he was assigned to the No. 13 Engine Company. He was promoted to Captain in January of 1925 and was assigned to Water Tower 2 and appointed as an Aide to Chief Engineer August Emrich.

On December 22, 1925, he lost his life in the line of duty while fighting a fire at the E. Steen and Sons Pearl Hominy Elevator on Warner Street in Baltimore. His was instantly killed when a concrete wall of the plant fell on him and others. Chief Emrich was quoted in the Baltimore Evening Sun at the time saying – “I feel his death keenly. He was a bright, clean-cut fellow – very efficient. I was on the opposite side of the building when the wall fell. I had sent Jones to get a lantern and some personal equipment. We had some trouble stretching lines, and I presume that on his way he stopped to assist with shifting some of the hose.”