Patrolman Willie Stephenson

Willie Stephenson

Patrolman Willie Stephenson drowned during a rescue attempt at Orchard Beach while off duty.

He observed a female drowning and dove into the water from his boat. Patrolman Stephenson was able to save the drowning woman by handing her to another off-duty officer, but he went underwater and did not resurface. His body was located several hours later.

Patrolman Stephenson was a United States Army Vietnam War veteran and had served with the New York City Housing Authority Police Department for one year. He was survived by his expectant wife and son. His daughter was born 23 days after his death.