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Incident
Sergeant Alfred Descher was struck and killed by a semitrailer at the scene of an accident on Illinois Route 3, approximately one mile south of the Columbia city limits at about 3:10 am. He had responded to the accident, checked for injuries, and then waited for the Illinois State Police who were responding to the accident. As Sergeant Descher spoke with one of the responding officers, a semitrailer traveling on the road jack-knifed, and struck both Sergeant Descher and the Illinois State Police squad car. Sergeant Descher was killed instantly and the state police officer suffered minor injuries. No charges were filed against the driver of the truck. Sergeant Descher had served with the Columbia Police Department for nine years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, four daughters, and three sons.
In Our Keeping
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- 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.
Sergeant Descher gave the Columbia Police Department 9 years.
Thank you for your service to the Columbia community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Descher.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Alfred is the only officer of Columbia Police Department remembered here.
Alfred is one of 354 officers lost to accidents in IL, 26.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
Alfred is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Alfred is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1964, 2 officers in IL were lost to accidents, the 55th heaviest of 115 years on record. The heaviest was 1927, with 11.
In 1964, 68 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 54th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1964, 84 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 48th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Alfred was 64. Of the 344 lost to accidents in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 45.3; the middle age was 37. Alfred had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Alfred was 64. 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. Alfred had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Alfred was 64. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Alfred had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 7.3% of these deaths in IL; October holds the most, 11.3%. Mondays: 17.2%.
February holds 7.2% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Mondays: 13.4%.
February holds 7.2% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Mondays: 13.5%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Columbia 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 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 20-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
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