Chester City Police Department, Pennsylvania
End of Watch Saturday, November 6, 1948
Add to My HeroesEllery Bertram Purnsley
Detective Ellery Purnsley was shot and killed as he responded to the scene of the Market Street Massacre. He was approaching the building where the suspect was hiding after the man went on a shooting rampage.
Detective Purnsley had served with the Chester City Police Department for 31 years. He was survived by his daughter, Isabelle Abrams Green, and his granddaughter, Virginia B. Abrams.
Bio
- Age 56
- Tour 31 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Rifle; .22 caliber
- Offender Deceased
Most Recent Reflection
View all 15 ReflectionsDet. Purnsley,
On today, the 75th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Chester. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
November 6, 2023
Recent LODD Deaths

Deputy Sergeant Martin Shields, Jr.
Hinds County Sheriff's Office, MS
EOW: February 23, 2025

Police Officer Christopher M. L. Reese
Virginia Beach Police Department, VA
EOW: February 22, 2025

Police Officer Cameron Robert Girvin
Virginia Beach Police Department, VA
EOW: February 22, 2025

Patrolman Andrew William Duarte
West York Borough Police Department, PA
EOW: February 22, 2025

Trooper Kyle McAcy
Nebraska State Patrol, NE
EOW: February 17, 2025

Police Officer Jeremy R. Labonte
Roswell Police Department, GA
EOW: February 7, 2025

Officer Jason Roscow
North Las Vegas Police Department, NV
EOW: February 4, 2025

Officer Baldino Morales-Sánchez
Mayagüez Municipal Police Department, PR
EOW: January 25, 2025

Border Patrol Agent David Christopher Maland
United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - United States Border Patrol, US
EOW: January 20, 2025