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Incident
Patrolman Samuel Eldridge drowned during the Johnstown Flood while attempting to assist other residents of the borough.
A severe storm produced heavy rains starting at approximately 11:00 p.m. on May 30th, 1889, causing two rivers surrounding Johnstown to overflow their banks. Flood waters approximately 10 feet deep converged on the borough throughout the day. Patrolman Eldridge, who was off duty, told his family that it was his duty to assist other residents and left his house, at 280 Apple Alley, at approximately 3:00 p.m.
At approximately 4:00 p.m., a large dam broke approximately 14 miles upstream of Johnstown, sending 20 million gallons of water downstream and into Johnstown. Most of the town was destroyed, and a total of 2,209 people were killed as a result of the dam's failure. Patrolman Eldridge's family survived after seeking refuge in their attic.
Patrolman Eldridge was survived by his wife and three children. He is buried in Grandview Cemetery in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.
Patrolman Eldridge was survived by his wife and three children. He is buried in Grandview Cemetery in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.
Survivors
Patrolman Eldridge was survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
137 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Patrolman Eldridge served with the Johnstown Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Johnstown community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Johnstown Police Department has lost 9 officers; 2 of them lost to accidents.
Samuel is one of 417 officers lost to accidents in PA, 33% of the 1,262 remembered there.
Samuel is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Samuel is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.8% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1889, 1 officer in PA was lost to accidents, the 95th heaviest of 133 years on record. The heaviest was 1932, with 14.
In 1889, 4 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 145th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1889, 9 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 156th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Samuel was 35. Of the 412 lost to accidents in PA whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48.3; the middle age was 38.
Samuel was 35. 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.
Samuel was 35. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36.
When
May holds 8.4% of these deaths in PA; October holds the most, 10.6%. Fridays: 13.9%.
May holds 8.6% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Fridays: 15.1%.
May holds 8.4% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Fridays: 15%.
How
Accident deaths account for 22.2% of all 9 deaths at Johnstown Police Department, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 33% of all 1,262 deaths in PA, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.8% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Johnstown Police Department has 9 officers remembered here, Samuel among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 45-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
8 officers from Johnstown Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
