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Incident
Night Watchman Ellis was shot and killed when he interrupted a burglary at the local post office. He was shot by one of the suspects who was hiding behind a barrel. Despite being mortally wounded, Watchman Ellis returned fire as the suspects fled.
Night Watchman Ellis had served with the Brighton Police Department for only 2 weeks.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
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neuraspine_01krbxtpxa2rr860rfzd7cb082- Stewardship
- 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.
Night Watchman Ellis served with the Brighton Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Brighton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Night Watchman Ellis.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
James is the only officer of Brighton Police Department remembered here.
James is one of 236 officers killed feloniously in CO, 65.4% of the 361 remembered there.
James is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James 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 1908, 5 officers in CO were killed feloniously, the 3rd heaviest of 113 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 9.
In 1908, 129 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 35th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1908, 129 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 42nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 26. Of the 184 killed feloniously in CO whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 47; the middle age was 39. James had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
James was 26. 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. James had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 26. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. James had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
March holds 8.1% of these deaths in CO; October holds the most, 11.9%. Fridays: 13.1%.
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
March holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Brighton Police Department.
Felonious deaths account for 65.4% of all 361 deaths in CO, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause.
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
0 officers from Brighton Police Department are honored on badge.nw.