Old Police Photos Surface After Nearly 50 Years

A black and white photograph shows a man with his hands behind his back being escorted by police.

The picture was taken in 1964 after a robbery at the Exchange Bank of Temple Terrace, which is now the Bank of America building.

It’s one of several pictures and other memorabilia from the Temple Terrace Police Department that has recently surfaced. The department has acquired these items from the family of former Deputy Police Chief Clifford W. Ellis, according to a City of Temple Terrace press release. Ellis’ sons, Dan and David, along with grandchildren C.J., Tara, Josh and Justin, donated the memorabilia to the department.

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Ellis served the Temple Terrace Police Department from 1959 to 1973, the release states. He left in 1974 to serve with the U.S. Marshals Service, and he died that year after falling from a horse.

“The family stopped by the Police Department recently to share photos and stories of Ellis’ law enforcement career,” the release states. “Dan Ellis told the story of how his father caught a bank robber in 1964...

“Officer Ellis and the police chief responded, exchanging gunfire with the robbers as they ran. One of the suspects fled in a car, and Ellis pursued him to Mission Hills Avenue. The suspect stopped and jumped from the car, fleeing on foot. Ellis chased and tackled him, making the arrest.”

In addition to the photographs, Ellis’ family also had a copy of Ellis’ original employment contract, according to the release. It was signed by City Manager Frank B. Moses and dated May 1, 1959.

The Temple Terrace Police Department is gathering memorabilia with plans to someday create a history exhibit or museum, said Deputy Chief Bernie Seeley in the release.

“We are extremely grateful to the Ellis family for this contribution to our history,” Seeley said in the release. “These types of pictures connect us to our past, to those who helped lay the foundation for those of us who serve today to build on. It is vital that we know where we came from in order to continue to move forward.”