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Incident
Patrolman David Tapscott died from injuries suffered two days earlier after being involved in an automobile crash while responding to a disturbance among patrons at Wanda's Tavern at 10:00 p.m. Patrolman Tapscott was driving on wet roads when his police vehicle crashed into the center support pylon at the 9th Street railroad overpass. Patrolman Tapscott was transported to the hospital, and after two days on life support, he died as a result of his injuries. Patrolman Tapscott had served with the Springfield Police Department for five years. In May 2017, Ninth Street between Converse and Ridgely was renamed Officer David Tapscott Memorial Street.
In Our Keeping
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- 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 Tapscott gave the Springfield Police Department 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Springfield community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Tapscott.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Springfield Police Department has lost 10 officers; 1 of them lost to accidents.
David is one of 354 officers lost to accidents in IL, 26.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
David is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
David 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 1979, 2 officers in IL were lost to accidents, the 55th heaviest of 115 years on record. The heaviest was 1927, with 11.
In 1979, 70 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 48th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1979, 88 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 41st heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
David was 28. Of the 344 lost to accidents in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 45.3; the middle age was 37. David had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
David was 28. 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. David had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
David was 28. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. David had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 8.8% of these deaths in IL; October holds the most, 11.3%. Wednesdays: 13%.
December holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
December holds 8.9% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
How
Accident deaths account for 10% of all 10 deaths at Springfield Police Department, the 2nd most common cause.
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.
His people
Springfield Police Department has 10 officers remembered here, David among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 37-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
9 officers from Springfield Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
