Prev
Incident
Officer Charles Barden was killed in a motorcycle accident while testing out his police motorcycle.
Officer Barden had been experiencing mechanical difficulties with the motorcycle and was told to have it taken to maintenance for repair. He was testing his motorcycle when it suddenly went off the side of the road. Before Officer Barden was able to regain control he hit a parked truck and was killed.
Officer Barden had served with the Peoria Park District Police Department for only six weeks.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, mother, three brothers and a sister.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpxmwxmh9y5wv95ts6gp- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Charles. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Officer Barden served with the Peoria Park District Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Peoria community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Officer Barden.
— 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.
Charles is one of 354 officers lost to accidents in IL, 26.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
Charles is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Charles 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 1938, 6 officers in IL were lost to accidents, the 11th heaviest of 115 years on record. The heaviest was 1927, with 11.
In 1938, 89 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 15th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1938, 100 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 21st heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Charles was 34. 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 0.1 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Charles was 34. 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 0.1 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Charles was 34. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Charles had served 0.1 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, Charles among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 47-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Peoria Park District Police Department are honored on badge.nw.