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Incident
Patrolman Christian Peter was electrocuted while checking a street lamp at Sixth and Spring streets. At 7:45 pm, Patrolman Peter was attempting to get an electric-arc street lamp to burn by shaking the steel chain used to raise and lower the lamp. Although the chain was normally harmless, an apparent short circuit occurred causing 4,000 volts of electricity to charge the chain electrocuting Patrolman Peter. He was attended to by a physician at the scene and transported to St. Elizabeth Hospital where he died. Patrolman Peter had served with the Belleville Police Department for three years.
Patrolman Christian Peter was electrocuted while checking a street lamp at Sixth and Spring streets.
At 7:45 pm, Patrolman Peter was attempting to get an electric-arc street lamp to burn by shaking the steel chain used to raise and lower the lamp. Although the chain was normally harmless, an apparent short circuit occurred causing 4,000 volts of electricity to charge the chain electrocuting Patrolman Peter. He was attended to by a physician at the scene and transported to St. Elizabeth Hospital where he died.
Patrolman Peter had served with the Belleville Police Department for three years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, three sons, three daughters, two brothers, five sisters and mother.
In Our Keeping
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Peter gave the Belleville Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Belleville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Peter.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Belleville Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them lost to accidents.
Christian is one of 354 officers lost to accidents in IL, 26.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
Christian is one of 8,276 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Christian is one of 10,096 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1915, 4 officers in IL were lost to accidents, the 24th heaviest of 115 years on record. The heaviest was 1927, with 11.
In 1915, 28 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 116th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1915, 47 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 109th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Christian was 47. Of the 344 lost to accidents in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 45.3; the middle age was 37. Christian had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Christian was 47. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. Christian had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Christian was 47. Of the 9,452 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Christian had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 8.5% of these deaths in IL; October holds the most, 11.3%. Thursdays: 17.2%.
April holds 7% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
April holds 7% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Thursdays: 14.2%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Belleville Police Department.
Accident deaths account for 26.9% of all 1,318 deaths in IL, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Belleville Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Christian among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Belleville Police Department are honored on badge.nw.