Moline Police Department, Illinois
End of Watch Friday, December 6, 1918
Add to My HeroesRoy Charles Liesveld
Patrolman Roy Liesveld died as a result of complications after contracting the Spanish Influenza while on duty.
He was in charge of driving the city ambulance to deliver influenza patients to and from the hospital during an outbreak in the city. Patrolman Liesveld also carried several patients to the city ambulance from their homes so they could be seen by health professionals. It was while doing this work that Patrolman Liesveld became ill and was confined to a bed. Knowing he was greatly needed, Patrolman Liesveld left his bed and went back to his post where he was taken ill again and was confined back to his bed at his home where he died of complications of the Spanish Influenza.
Patrolman Liesveld served with the Moline Police Department for three years. He was survived by his parents, wife, and daughter.
Effects of Spanish Flu on Law Enforcement
From 1918 to early 1919, the Spanish Flu pandemic infected an estimated 500 million people worldwide—about one-third of the planet’s population—and killed approximately 675,000 Americans. Many officers contracted this virus due to the requirements of their job.
The names of every officer who died in the line of duty from the Spanish Flu will likely never be known, but ODMP researchers continue to uncover new cases as part of our mission to never forget the fallen.
Bio
- Age 30
- Tour 3 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Duty related illness
- Incident Date Tuesday, November 26, 1918
Most Recent Reflection
View all 2 ReflectionsI have the great honor of researching your case. May your service and sacrifice never be forgotten.
Rocky Geppert
Volunteer Researcher
Officer Down Memorial Page
July 26, 2024
Recent LODD Deaths
Deputy Sheriff Lex Allen Love
Wise County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: October 2, 2024
Deputy Constable Ruben Garcia
Cameron County Constable's Office - Precinct 1, TX
EOW: September 30, 2024
Trooper Kevin Alexis Ramirez-Vasquez
Texas Department of Public Safety - Texas Highway Patrol, TX
EOW: September 28, 2024
Constable Shane R. Eyre
Vienna Town Constable's Office, NY
EOW: September 1, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Cailee Campbell
Oswego County Sheriff's Office, NY
EOW: September 25, 2024
Police Officer David Lee
St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, MO
EOW: September 22, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Joshua C. Phipps
Russell County Sheriff's Office, KY
EOW: September 16, 2024
Motor Carrier Officer Daniel Kerstetter
Michigan State Police, MI
EOW: September 15, 2024
Trooper Enrique Delgado-Garcia
Massachusetts State Police, MA
EOW: September 13, 2024