Peoria Park District Police Department, Illinois
End of Watch: Wednesday, August 4, 1937
Age: 61
Tour of Duty: 5 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Struck by vehicle
Date of Incident: August 4, 1937
Weapon Used: Not available
Suspect Info: Not available
Officer David Gaul was struck and killed by a vehicle while watching over a large group of children picnicking in Bradley Park.
Officer Gaul had parked his motorcycle and stood in the middle of the street in an effort to keep the children out of the road as well as make himself visible to vehicles. Someone called his attention to a car coming around the bend. As Officer Gaul walked forward, he waved and a vehicle struck the officer. He landed 20 feet away and suffered from multiple wounds as well as broken arms and legs. Officer Gaul died soon after his arrival at the hospital.
Officer Gaul had served with the Peoria Park District Police Department for five years. He was survived by a brother and three sisters.