Master Sergeant Stanley W. Talbot

Master Sergeant Stanley W. Talbot

Illinois State Police, Illinois

End of Watch Saturday, June 23, 2001

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Stanley W. Talbot

Master Sergeant Stanley Talbot died from injuries sustained from being drug by a driver who was fleeing a roadside safety checkpoint.

The incident occurred in Rock Island, Illinois, at 15th Street and 2nd Avenue. As the vehicle neared the checkpoint, Master Sergeant Talbot approached it and became entangled with the car when he stuck his arm inside the window as the driver fled the scene. Master Sergeant Talbot was dragged approximately half a mile before falling from the vehicle and was run over by another officer pursuing the suspect. An autopsy revealed Master Sergeant Talbot died from a head injury when his head hit the pavement after falling.

The 20-year-old driver of the vehicle was apprehended two weeks later and charged with two counts of first-degree murder. On August 28, 2002, the driver was convicted of reckless homicide and leaving the scene of an accident. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison, with credit for 418 days in jail awaiting trial, but was paroled on January 30, 2006, after serving only 4 1/2 years.

Master Sergeant Talbot was a 26-year veteran of the Illinois State Police and planned to retire in six months. He was assigned to District 7, Rock Island. Master Sergeant Talbot is survived by his wife and daughter, who are both members of the Illinois State Police, and a son who serves with the Collinsville Police Department.

In July 2017, Rock Island's Centennial Bridge was renamed Master Sgt. Stanley W. Talbot Memorial Bridge near the incident's intersection.

Bio

  • Age 50
  • Tour 26 years
  • Badge 1989

Incident Details

  • Cause Vehicular assault
  • Weapon Automobile
  • Offender Paroled in 2006

checkpoint

Most Recent Reflection

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Heavenly Father, You are Compassionate and Merciful. None of America’s Peace Officers leave home without the fear of not returning at the end of their watch. It is a fear that is lived daily. Unfortunately, the worst does sometimes come to pass, and lives are left shattered. Lord God, bless and keep the hearts and souls of those who have lost loved ones in the line of duty. Wipe away the tears from their eyes. Soothe their pain and bind up their emotional wounds through the wounds of Your beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. In His name, and by His authority, I pray. Amen.

Please find Encouragement, Comfort, Support, and Hope from God's Word:

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
[Matthew 5:9 ESV];

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." [Psalm 23:4 ESV];

"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."
[John 15:13 ESV];

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." [Matthew 5:4 ESV];

"And he [Jesus] said to him, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." [Luke 23:43 ESV], and;

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." [John 3:16 ESV].

Minister Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NACM
Ordained Independent NACM Minister
I'M PRAYING MINISTRY: Devoted to Prayer and God's Word
Member: Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers - USA

Captain Steven R. Closs (Retired)
Nashua NH Police Department (1974-1998)

June 23, 2025

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