Johnstown Police Department, Pennsylvania
End of Watch Friday, May 31, 1889
Add to My HeroesSamuel B. Eldridge
Patrolman Samuel Eldridge drowned during the Johnstown Flood while attempting to assist other residents of the borough.
A severe storm produced heavy rains starting at approximately 11:00 p.m. on May 30th, 1889, causing two rivers surrounding Johnstown to overflow their banks. Flood waters approximately 10 feet deep converged on the borough throughout the day. Patrolman Eldridge, who was off duty, told his family that it was his duty to assist other residents and left his house, at 280 Apple Alley, at approximately 3:00 p.m.
At approximately 4:00 p.m., a large dam broke approximately 14 miles upstream of Johnstown, sending 20 million gallons of water downstream and into Johnstown. Most of the town was destroyed, and a total of 2,209 people were killed as a result of the dam's failure. Patrolman Eldridge's family survived after seeking refuge in their attic.
Patrolman Eldridge was survived by his wife and three children. He is buried in Grandview Cemetery in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.
Bio
- Age 35
- Tour Not available
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Drowned
Most Recent Reflection
View all 5 ReflectionsYour selfless actions are the true hero heroism. Thank you for your service and please know that no passage of time can ever erase your memory and sacrifice. Rest in peace always.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
May 31, 2021
Recent LODD Deaths

Deputy Sheriff Ryan Clinkunbroomer
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: September 16, 2023

Governmental Affairs Liaison Michael Elaine Griffin
Mississippi Department of Public Safety, MS
EOW: September 4, 2023

Police Officer Kevin Cram
Algona Police Department, IA
EOW: September 13, 2023

Deputy Sheriff II Auston Smith Reudelhuber
Forsyth County Sheriff's Office, NC
EOW: September 9, 2023

Detective Robert Garten
Hartford Police Department, CT
EOW: September 6, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Matthew Pierson
Shelby County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: August 29, 2023

Sheriff Robert Daniel Rodgers
Wilcox County Sheriff's Office, GA
EOW: August 29, 2023

Special Agent Robert C. Castioni, Jr.
United States Department of Homeland Security - Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations, US
EOW: July 24, 2023

Police Officer Anthony Francone
Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribal Police Department, TR
EOW: August 25, 2023