New York City Housing Authority Police Department, New York
End of Watch: Sunday, July 3, 1966
Age: 25
Tour of Duty: 1 year
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Drowned
Date of Incident: July 3, 1966
Weapon Used: Not available
Suspect Info: Not available
Patrolman Willie Stephenson drowned during a rescue attempt at Orchard Beach while off duty.
He observed a female drowning and dove into the water from his boat. Patrolman Stephenson was able to save the drowning woman by handing her to another off-duty officer but went underwater and did not resurface. His body was located several hours later.
Patrolman Stephenson had served with the New York City Housing Authority Police Department for one year. He was survived by his expectant wife and son. His daughter was born 23 days after his death.