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Incident
Officer David Gaul was struck and killed by a vehicle while watching over a large group of children picnicking in Bradley Park.
Officer Gaul had parked his motorcycle and stood in the middle of the street in an effort to keep the children out of the road as well as make himself visible to vehicles. Someone called his attention to a car coming around the bend. As Officer Gaul walked forward, he waved and a vehicle struck the officer. He landed 20 feet away and suffered from multiple wounds as well as broken arms and legs. Officer Gaul died soon after his arrival at the hospital.
Officer Gaul had served with the Peoria Park District Police Department for five years.
Survivors
He was survived by a brother and three sisters.
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.
Officer Gaul gave the Peoria Park District Police Department 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Peoria community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Officer Gaul.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Peoria Park District Police Department has lost 4 officers; 3 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 1937, 7 officers in IL were lost to accidents, the 6th heaviest of 115 years on record. The heaviest was 1927, with 11.
In 1937, 95 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 10th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1937, 109 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 8th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
David was 61. 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 61. 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 61. 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
August holds 9% of these deaths in IL; October holds the most, 11.3%. Wednesdays: 13%.
August holds 9.5% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
August holds 9.3% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
How
Accident deaths account for 75% of all 4 deaths at Peoria Park District Police Department, the 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
Peoria Park District Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, David among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 60-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Peoria Park District Police Department are honored on badge.nw.