On April 11, 1880 a fire had broken out in a hardware store in downtown Wilmington and as the fire was beginning people were trying to assist with removing items from the store before it became engulfed in flames. Capt. Ellerbrock was there to assist as well and passed his dog along to someone while he helped. Shortly after, the building began to take on more fire and began to collapse within itself and it was said that screams and yelling began to occur. At this point, Ellerbrock’s dog broke away and went into the building after his master. Unfortunately, when the fire was extinguished, it was discovered that Capt. Ellerbrock’s body was found underneath one of the large beams and beside him was his dog Boss who obviously was trying to free him from this fire. They were later laid to rest in Oakdale together and a monument was erected by the citizens and Methodist Church in their honor. Still to this day the Wilmington Fire Department pays tribute to him with the William A. Ellerbrock Award which is awarded to any citizen who displays bravery and courage.
