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
Corporal Timothy J. O'Connor, Jr.
Pennsylvania State Police, PA
EOW: March 8, 2026
Deputy Sheriff Kaleb Mitchell
Forsyth County Sheriff's Office, NC
EOW: March 7, 2026
Master Trooper Steven J. Perry
North Carolina Highway Patrol, NC
EOW: March 1, 2026
Conservation Enforcement Officer Senior Shawn Nixon
Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources - Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, AL
EOW: November 23, 2025
Corporal David M. Hathcock
Montgomery Police Department, AL
EOW: February 22, 2026
Correctional Officer Dustin Pedigo
Tennessee Department of Correction, TN
EOW: February 25, 2026
Deputy Sheriff Michael Hislope
Christian County Sheriff's Office, MO
EOW: February 24, 2026
Deputy Sheriff Gabriel Ramirez
Christian County Sheriff's Office, MO
EOW: February 23, 2026
Deputy Sheriff Kenneth Lewis
Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: February 23, 2026

