N.J. Police Department Searches for Family Info of Officer Killed in 1930
What to know
- Atlantic City police are searching for information about Patrolman William Nicholas, who was killed in 1930 while rescuing two children from an oncoming train.
- Nicholas, 48, was struck by a locomotive after pushing the children to safety. He was assigned to help students cross the tracks.
- Nicholas was survived by his wife, Bertha, and their six children, but police say they are unaware of any living relatives and are asking the public for information.
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ—Patrolman William Nicholas was killed in the line of duty while saving two children in 1930.
Nearly 94 years later, the Atlantic City Police Department is trying to find out more information about him and his family.
The department said it is seeking information after learning from members of the Officer Down Memorial Page, a nonprofit that memorializes fallen law enforcement officers, about Nicholas, who was killed Sept. 24, 1930.
According to newspaper articles at the time, Nicholas was on a traffic post at Illinois and Baltic avenues to help cross school children across train tracks when he was struck and killed by a locomotive.
According to articles, Nicholas saw two children move toward the tracks with a nearby train approaching. He quickly moved to assist them to safety and was struck after attempting to get back across the tracks.
Nicholas, who was 48, lived in the 800 block of Indiana Avenue. He was survived by his wife, Bertha, their three daughters, Jewel, Cortanaye and Marjorie, and three sons, Van Lear, Stuyvesant and William Jr.
"Sadly, since we are just learning of his death, the ACPD is not aware of any known relatives," the department wrote.
Anyone with additional information can call police at 609-347-5780 and ask to be connected to the Chief's Office.
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