Chippewa Cree Tribal Police Department, Tribal Police
End of Watch: Monday, May 27, 2002
Age: 43
Tour of Duty: 6 years
Badge Number: 38
Cause of Death: Drowned
Date of Incident: May 27, 2002
Weapon Used: Not available
Suspect Info: Not available
Police Officer Robert Taylor drowned while attempting to rescue a man who had capsized in a small rowboat in the Bonneau Reservoir on the Rocky Boy Reservation during the Memorial Day holiday.
One other occupant of the boat was able to swim to shore. Officer Taylor attempted to swim to the boat in the cold water, which was about 75 feet from shore.
When he was approximately 15 feet from the boat, he went underwater and never resurfaced. The man he was attempting to rescue was able to make it to shore with the help of bystanders. Officer Taylor's body was recovered two days later.
Officer Taylor had served with the Rocky Boy's Tribal Police Department for six years. He is survived by his wife, daughter, and five sons.