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Incident
Patrolman Cornelius Meenan was electrocuted while attempting to rescue a boy trapped behind the Rock Island Southern Railroad station. During the operation another citizen came in contact with a live electrical wire, causing him to fall against Patrolman Meenan, and in turn electrocuting him as well. Both Patrolman Meenan and the citizen died as a result. The boy was later rescued from being trapped. Patrolman Meenan had served with the Rock Island Police Department for two years.
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.
Patrolman Meenan gave the Rock Island Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Rock Island community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Meenan.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Rock Island Police Department has lost 9 officers; 4 of them lost to accidents.
Cornelius is one of 354 officers lost to accidents in IL, 26.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
Cornelius is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Cornelius 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 1913, 2 officers in IL were lost to accidents, the 55th heaviest of 115 years on record. The heaviest was 1927, with 11.
In 1913, 35 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 112th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1913, 44 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 112th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Cornelius had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Cornelius had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Cornelius had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
May holds 7.9% of these deaths in IL; October holds the most, 11.3%. Saturdays: 11.9%.
May holds 8.6% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Saturdays: 14.9%.
May holds 8.4% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Saturdays: 14.7%.
How
Accident deaths account for 44.4% of all 9 deaths at Rock Island 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
Rock Island Police Department has 9 officers remembered here, Cornelius among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 15-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
8 officers from Rock Island Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
