Princeton police department remembers fallen office billie ellis who died saving two boys

Princeton Police Department Remembers Fallen Office Billie Ellis Who Died Saving Two Boys

by
August 20, 2022
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PRINCETON, NJ – Family members and police officers in Princeton remembered fallen officer Bille Ellie who in 1955 died while trying to rescue two boys from drowning while off duty.

He was killed 67 years ago in the line of duty, on August 19th, 1955.

Officer Ellis drowned while attempting to rescue two young boys whose canoe became swamped in Lake Carnegie following a period of heavy flooding as a result of Hurricane Dianne. Officer Ellis was off duty at the time but responded to the scene to rescue the boys.

Officer Ellis had served with the Princeton Township Police Department for three years. He was survived by his wife and three children.

“Every August 19th, our officers drape their badges with mourning badges, lower the flag to half-staff and conduct a wreath laying ceremony in honor of Officer Ellis,” the Princeton Police Department said in a statement. “Today, Captain Bucchere, Lt. Tash and Officer King were joined with several of our officers, the Ellis Family, Mayor Mark Freda and friends of the Ellis family during the wreath laying ceremony.”

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Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital news organization covering New Jersey, national politics, public policy, public safety, and community affairs. With years of experience reporting on local government, elections, law enforcement, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey, Stilton has built a reputation for delivering timely news, in-depth reporting, and accountability journalism.

As the founder of Shore News Network, Stilton oversees editorial operations, investigative reporting, and breaking news coverage while working closely with journalists, public officials, and community leaders. His reporting has covered municipal government, state politics, federal policy, public records investigations, emergency management, and major news events affecting local communities.

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