Decatur Police Department, Illinois
End of Watch Saturday, April 8, 1911
Add to My HeroesCharles Willard Masterson
Policei Officer Charles Masterson was struck and killed by a train at the railroad crossing on North Union Street.
He and three other men were riding on a horse-drawn carriage, responding to a domestic disturbance call at the time of the accident. As they began crossing the railroad tracks, they observed a fast approaching train. Fearing the wagon would be struck by the train, Officer Masterson jumped off but fell into the path of the train. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries approximately one hour later.
Officer Masterson had served with the Decatur Police Department for two years.
Bio
- Age 51
- Tour 2 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Struck by train
Most Recent Reflection
View all 9 ReflectionsOfficer Masterson's story was read in Richton Park Police Department's roll call on 10-13-16 to honor him.
Sgt. James Galvan
RPPD (IL)
October 14, 2016
Recent LODD Deaths

Deputy Sheriff Jesse Perez
Dawson County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: April 22, 2025

Captain Helio Armando Garcia, III
South Fulton Police Department, GA
EOW: April 16, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Melissa Pollard
Wood County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: April 9, 2025

Deputy Sheriff William May
Walton County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: April 2, 2025

Police Officer Osmar Rodarte
Marysville Police Department, CA
EOW: March 26, 2025

Sergeant Grant J. Candies
St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office, LA
EOW: March 23, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Hector Cuevas, Jr.
San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: March 17, 2025

Sergeant Joseph Anthony Azcona
Newark Police Division, NJ
EOW: March 8, 2025

Police Officer Felicia Dee Reilly
Saint Paul Police Department, MN
EOW: March 1, 2025