Hero: Ellery Purnsley

In memory of Detective Ellery Purnsley

Chester Police Detective Ellery Purnsley, who was among the first police arriving at the scene of the "Market Street Massacre", was shot and killed as he attempted to approach the building where 38-year-old Melvin Collins went on a shooting rampage.

Purnsley, described as quiet and unassuming, died Nov. 6, 1948. He was days shy of elebrating his 57th birthday.

A lifelong city resident and member of one of the city's oldest and respected families, he joined the force in 1917 and rose through the ranks to become the city's first black detective.

His promotion was applauded as not only a much-deserved step forward for him, but a positive one for the department. He was married and had two children and two grandchildren.