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Incident
Patrolman Robert Card was shot and killed while searching for two armed robbery suspects. A truck driver from a Clinton, Iowa, bottling works company had stopped on Lincoln Highway, about six miles west of Sterling, to assist two young men who asked him to borrow a jack. As the truck driver was retrieving the jack, he was knocked unconscious with a pop bottle. When he came to, both his money and the bandits had disappeared. Despite numerous roadblocks set up by authorities on local highways, the suspects were able to escape. It is believed Patrolman Card had recognized the suspects and while pursuing them, he was shot and killed. Patrolman Card had served with the Sterling Police Department for less than one month. He had previously served with the Illinois State Police for nearly 6½ years as a trooper assigned to District 1 in Sterling.
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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.
Patrolman Card gave the Sterling Police Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Sterling community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Card.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Robert is the only officer of Sterling Police Department remembered here.
Robert is one of 842 officers killed feloniously in IL, 63.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
Robert is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Robert is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1930, 16 officers in IL were killed feloniously, the 12th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1924, with 22.
In 1930, 239 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1930, 241 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Robert had served 6.4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Robert had served 6.4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Robert had served 6.4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 9.4% of these deaths in IL; July holds the most, 10.3%. Tuesdays: 13.8%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Sterling Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.9% of all 1,318 deaths in IL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 30.6% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 17-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Sterling Police Department are honored on badge.nw.