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Incident
Patrol Officer Randall Blank was shot and killed during a foot chase. Officer Blank had responded to a local bar for a report of a purse snatching. When he arrived he engaged the suspect in a foot pursuit which resulted in a struggle. During the struggle the suspect was able to gain control of Officer Blank's service weapon and shot him in the head. The suspect was apprehended a short time later by responding units. Officer Blank had served with the Rockford Police Department for 10 months and had previously served with the Freeport Police Department for 1-½ years.
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrol Officer Blank gave the Rockford Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Rockford community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrol Officer Blank.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Rockford Police Department has lost 8 officers; 7 of them killed feloniously.
Randall is one of 842 officers killed feloniously in IL, 63.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
Randall is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Randall is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1980, 1 officer at Rockford Police Department was killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 6 years on record. The heaviest was 1927, with 2.
In 1980, 2 officers in IL were killed feloniously, the 99th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1924, with 22.
In 1980, 127 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 37th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1980, 141 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 37th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Randall was 23. Of the 7 killed feloniously at Rockford Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 28.5 and 37; the middle age was 30. Randall had served 2.3 years; the middle length of service was 2.5 years.
Randall was 23. Of the 762 killed feloniously in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 45; the middle age was 38. Randall had served 2.3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Randall was 23. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Randall had served 2.3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Randall was 23. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Randall had served 2.3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 14.3% of these deaths at Rockford Police Department; October holds the most, 14.3%. Wednesdays: 14.3%.
December holds 8.9% of these deaths in IL; July holds the most, 10.3%. Wednesdays: 11.3%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 87.5% of all 8 deaths at Rockford Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 14.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.9% of all 1,318 deaths in IL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 4.8% 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 officer's handgun, in 5.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
His people
Rockford Police Department has 8 officers remembered here, Randall among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 45-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from Rockford Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
