Montgomery County Police Department, Maryland
End of Watch: Friday, January 27, 2012
Age: 64
Tour of Duty: 13 years
Badge Number: 463
Cause of Death: Duty related illness
Date of Incident: June 30, 1983
Weapon Used: Automobile; Alcohol involved
Suspect Info: Not available
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.