Delaware State Police, Delaware
End of Watch Tuesday, September 7, 1993
Add to My HeroesRobert H. Bell
Corporal Bell died after contracting AIDS from a blood transfusion received following a line of duty injury.
On January 14, 1981, Corporal Bell was assisting another trooper during a struggle with a suicidal man on Kirkwood Highway. During the struggle Corporal Bell received a serious back injury which required surgery and a blood transfusion. The blood he received during the surgery was tainted with AIDS, which Corporal Bell then contracted. The blood was traced to the original donor who was confirmed to be suffering from the virus as well.
Corporal Bell had served with the Delaware State Police for 22 years.
Bio
- Age 51
- Tour 22 years
- Badge 396
Incident Details
- Cause Duty related illness
- Incident Date Wednesday, January 14, 1981
Most Recent Reflection
View all 21 ReflectionsCpl. Bell, on this 27th anniversary of your untimely departure I would like to say from one Delaware State Trooper to another, rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
September 7, 2020
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