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Incident
Patrolman William Cullen died as the result of contracting tuberculosis while patrolling the construction encampments at Ashokan Reservoir in Ulster County.
He was admitted to Sea View Hospital in June 1915, where he remained until passing away on January 9th, 1916.
Patrolman Cullen had served with the New York City Bureau of Water Supply Police Department for five years, starting with the Aqueduct Police, and was assigned to the Brown Station Precinct.
Survivors
He was survived by his mother, three brothers, and three sisters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Cullen gave the New York City Board of Water Supply Police 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Grahamsville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Cullen.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Illness
New York City Board of Water Supply Police has lost 3 officers; 1 of them lost to illness.
William is one of 630 officers lost to illness in NY, 29.5% of the 2,132 remembered there.
William is one of 2,028 officers lost to illness in the United States, 7.4% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William is one of 2,979 officers lost to illness worldwide, 8.8% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1916, 3 officers in NY were lost to illness, the 23rd heaviest of 41 years on record. The heaviest was 2021, with 65.
In 1916, 6 officers in the United States were lost to illness, the 26th heaviest of 108 years on record. The heaviest was 2021, with 564.
In 1916, 15 officers worldwide were lost to illness, the 27th heaviest of 197 years on record. The heaviest was 2021, with 566.
Who
William was 34. Of the 615 lost to illness in NY whose age is recorded, half were between 48.5 and 61; the middle age was 55. William had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 20 years.
William was 34. Of the 1,996 lost to illness in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 42 and 58; the middle age was 51. William had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 20 years.
William was 34. Of the 2,916 lost to illness worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 39 and 56; the middle age was 49. William had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 20 years.
When
January holds 9.5% of these deaths in NY; October holds the most, 14%. Sundays: 15.1%.
January holds 9.5% of these deaths in the United States; October holds the most, 14.9%. Sundays: 14.2%.
January holds 9.9% of these deaths worldwide; October holds the most, 12.6%. Sundays: 13.2%.
How
Illness deaths account for 33.3% of all 3 deaths at New York City Board of Water Supply Police, the most common cause.
Illness deaths account for 29.5% of all 2,132 deaths in NY, the 3rd most common cause.
Illness deaths account for 7.4% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 3rd most common cause.
Illness deaths account for 8.8% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 3rd most common cause.
His people
New York City Board of Water Supply Police has 3 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 49-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from New York City Board of Water Supply Police are honored on badge.nw.
