United States of America
Headstone of Elwood Louis Ridge
U.S. Army · United States United States

Elwood Louis Ridge

Died July 2, 1973

Elwood Louis Ridge served in the U.S. Army for 2 years and 11 months. Elwood served during the years of the Vietnam War and the Cold War.

How He Died
Manner Homicide
Cause Gunshot wound
Mechanism Firearm
What Happened

Officer Elwood Ridge was shot and killed when he intervened in a domestic dispute while on patrol. While attempting to separate a man and his wife, the man grabbed Officer Ridge's handgun from his holster and shot him in the back. The next day, the shooter was arrested in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for throwing bottles at cars. He bragged to the Philadelphia police officer that he had killed a cop in New Jersey. The 23-year-old suspect was convicted of murder and sentenced to life. In 1995 the parole board notified no one when they approved his parole. The reaction of infuriated police and family members led the board to rescind his parole indefinitely. Officer Ridge was a United States Army Vietnam War veteran and had served with the Camden Police Department for four years.

Survivors
He was survived by his expectant wife.
Media
Elwood Louis Ridge
Elwood Louis Ridge 0 views
Service Record
U.S. Army
1962 – 1965
Also Served
Camden Police Department
Police Officer
Memorials
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Panel 24-W · Line 1 cut as ELWOOD L RIDGE
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier neuraspine_01krbxtppskxqw52zqqd3xkcfc
Record added August 2, 2026 neuraweb.nw
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Last updated August 2, 2026

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In tribute

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.

Police Officer Ridge gave the Camden Police Department 5 years.

Thank you for your service to the Camden community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.

Rest easy, brother.

— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993

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