Prev
Incident
Patrolman Michael McEllen was killed in an automobile crash while responding to an intruder call at 11 p.m. His patrol car hydroplaned on a rain-slicked Route 17, causing it to strike a light pole. His vehicle was found at 5:44 a.m. Patrolman McEllen was a United States Vietnam Army veteran who had served with the Paramus Police Department for 3.5 years and previously served with the Ramsey Police Department.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two children, mother, and two brothers.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtn4ptm8dhp11yd3cqesb- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Michael. Claim this record.
Also honored at salute.nw — U.S. Army. One record, 2 gates. Michael is one person.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Patrolman McEllen gave the Paramus Police Department 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Paramus community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Michael P. McEllen served in the U.S. Army before joining law enforcement.
The Sacrifice · Accident
Paramus Police Department has lost 3 officers; 3 of them lost to accidents.
Michael is one of 258 officers lost to accidents in NJ, 39.9% of the 647 remembered there.
Michael is one of 8,276 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Michael is one of 10,096 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1976, 1 officer in NJ was lost to accidents, the 65th heaviest of 102 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 11.
In 1976, 59 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 76th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1976, 77 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 62nd heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Michael was 27. Of the 232 lost to accidents in NJ whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 41.3; the middle age was 33.5. Michael had served 5.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Michael was 27. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. Michael had served 5.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Michael was 27. Of the 9,452 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Michael had served 5.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 10.1% of these deaths in NJ; March holds the most, 10.5%. Sundays: 16.7%.
October holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 14%.
October holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Sundays: 14%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at Paramus Police Department.
Accident deaths account for 39.9% of all 647 deaths in NJ, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Paramus Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, Michael among them.
Where
Military Service
Michael P. McEllen served in the U.S. Army before joining law enforcement.
Visit Michael P. McEllen’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 15-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Also Remembered
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Paramus Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
