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Incident
Sheriff Robert Aldrich was killed in an automobile crash while en route to conduct a raid at a house of ill fame. A vehicle being operated by a juvenile driver ran a stop sign at Illinois Highway 37 and Olmstead Road in Olmstead and struck Sheriff Aldrich's car, killing him instantly. Sheriff Aldrich's wife, who was traveling in the vehicle with him, was also killed. The deputy who was driving the car was injured. The youth driver was injured and one of his passengers was killed. Sheriff Aldrich had served with the Pulaski County Sheriff's Department for six years.
Survivors
He was survived by his five children.
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.
Sheriff Aldrich gave the Pulaski County Sheriff's Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Mound City community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Aldrich.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Pulaski County Sheriff's Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them lost to accidents.
Robert is one of 354 officers lost to accidents in IL, 26.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
Robert is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Robert is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.8% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1963, 2 officers in IL were lost to accidents, the 55th heaviest of 115 years on record. The heaviest was 1927, with 11.
In 1963, 58 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 77th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1963, 67 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 79th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Robert 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. Robert had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Robert 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. Robert had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Robert was 51. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Robert had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 10.5% of these deaths in IL; October holds the most, 11.3%. Saturdays: 11.9%.
September holds 9.2% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Saturdays: 14.9%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Saturdays: 14.7%.
How
Accident deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Pulaski County Sheriff's 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 29.8% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Pulaski County Sheriff's Department has 2 officers remembered here, Robert among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 5-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Pulaski County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.