Police Officer William Dewitt Talbert

Police Officer William Dewitt Talbert

Montgomery County Police Department, Maryland

End of Watch Friday, January 27, 2012

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William Dewitt Talbert

Police Officer Bill Talbert died as the result of contracting Hepatitis C.

He contracted the disease following a blood transfusion after being struck by a drunk driver while conducting a traffic stop on June 30th, 1983. He was standing between his patrol car and another vehicle when a drunk driver struck one of the vehicles, causing Officer Talbert to be pinned between them. He was transported to a local hospital where he underwent a blood transfusion. It was discovered later that the blood he received was infected with Hepatitis C.

He was forced to medically retire in 1984 and his health continued to deteriorate until he passed away on January 27th, 2012.

Officer Talbert was a U.S. Navy veteran and had served with the Montgomery County Police Department for 13 years when he was forced to retire. He is survived by his wife, daughter, three sons, ten grandchildren, and sister. One of his sons went on to serve with the Maryland State Police.

Bio

  • Age 64
  • Tour 13 years
  • Badge 463
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Duty related illness
  • Incident Date Thursday, June 30, 1983
  • Weapon Automobile; Alcohol involved
  • Offender Not available

communicable disease, drunk driver, traffic stop

Most Recent Reflection

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Police Officer William Dewitt Talbert was brave. He gave his life to serve and protect and will always be honored and forever remembered. He's now in heaven with the other fallen angels.
Thank you, Police Officer William Dewitt Talbert for all you did, Forever Rest in Peace!

Rachel Blitz,Montgomery County, MD (Resident)Thank you for your service & sacrifice.

February 18, 2024

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