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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.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- September 9, 2026
Honored here by 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
The Sacrifice · Accident
Decatur Police Department has lost 3 officers; 1 of them lost to accidents.
Charles is one of 354 officers lost to accidents in IL, 26.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
Charles is one of 8,276 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Charles is one of 10,096 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1911, 1 officer in IL was lost to accidents, the 88th heaviest of 115 years on record. The heaviest was 1927, with 11.
In 1911, 29 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 115th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1911, 42 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 114th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Charles was 51. Of the 344 lost to accidents in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 45.3; the middle age was 37. Charles had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Charles was 51. 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. Charles had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Charles was 51. Of the 9,452 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Charles had served 2 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%. Saturdays: 11.9%.
April holds 7% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 14.9%.
April holds 7% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Saturdays: 14.7%.
How
Accident deaths account for 33.3% of all 3 deaths at Decatur 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 34,102 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Decatur Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, Charles among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 56-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Decatur Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
