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.”