Prev
Incident
Policeman Ellsworth Deitz was shot and killed by a bank robbery suspect at Main Street and Fairfield Avenue. He was directing traffic when the suspect, who was deranged and had attempted a bank robbery earlier in the day, shot him and two other people, wounding one critically. The suspect had recently been released from the state mental hospital where he had been confined for writing threatening letters to President Theodore Roosevelt. The suspect was arrested and later recommitted to a state hospital. He died at the state mental hospital in Middletown on August 13, 1934. Policeman Deitz had served three years with the Bridgeport Police Department.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, son, and mother.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtmt0ar1wdw1tyd3n30b3- 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 Ellsworth. Claim this record.
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 never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Policeman Deitz gave the Bridgeport Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Bridgeport community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Policeman Deitz.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Bridgeport Police Department has lost 6 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
Ellsworth is one of 74 officers killed feloniously in CT, 43.8% of the 169 remembered there.
Ellsworth is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Ellsworth is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1910, 1 officer in CT was killed feloniously, the 10th heaviest of 62 years on record. The heaviest was 1935, with 4.
In 1910, 121 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 43rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1910, 124 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 47th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Ellsworth was 33. Of the 70 killed feloniously in CT whose age is recorded, half were between 34 and 46.5; the middle age was 39. Ellsworth had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 10.5 years.
Ellsworth was 33. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Ellsworth had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Ellsworth was 33. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Ellsworth had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
March holds 8.1% of these deaths in CT; May holds the most, 13.5%. Tuesdays: 9.5%.
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
March holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 6 deaths at Bridgeport Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 75% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 43.8% of all 169 deaths in CT, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 27% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Bridgeport Police Department has 6 officers remembered here, Ellsworth among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 11-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Bridgeport Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
