Roll of Honor
Incident
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.
Officer 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 14th, 2016
In Our Keeping
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BO-US-IL-BE2ADCAF- Stewardship
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- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Masterson gave the Decatur Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Decatur community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Masterson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer Charles Willard Masterson is one of 10,088 officers lost to accidents in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 31% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In IL, 354 of 1,318 officers were lost to accidents in the line of duty — 26.9% of this state's fallen. That is 4.1 percentage points below the national rate of 31%.
At Decatur Police Department, 1 of 3 officers on record were lost to accidents in the line of duty — 33.3% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Accident compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Charles Willard Masterson's cause is highlighted.
How Charles Willard Masterson Compares
When Accident Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Accident deaths across the full memorial record. Charles Willard Masterson is highlighted in Apr.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Decatur Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
