Patrol Officer Randall A. Blank, Rockford Police Department, Illinois

Patrol Officer Randall A. Blank

Rockford Police Department, Illinois

End of Watch Wednesday, December 31, 1980

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Randall A. Blank

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.

Bio

Age 23
Tour 2 years, 4 months
Badge 236

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Officer's handgun
Offender Died in prison

foot pursuit, larceny

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Most Recent Reflection

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Randy and I were 2nd cousins and were born 6 weeks apart. I still have a photo taken of us as newborns. His grandma lived right across the tracks from us and we played together when his family visited. I vividly remember when he was killed. His grandmother was heartbroken. Such an absolute waste. I have thought of Randy often throughout the years, especially when my oldest son was pursuing a criminal justice degree. It always makes me sad to think of his life ending at 23; yet I am proud of the officer and man that he was.

Fran Blank
Cousin

April 18, 2025