Patrolman Roy Charles Liesveld

Roy Charles Liesveld

Patrolman Roy Liesveld died as a result of complications after contracting the Spanish Influenza while on duty.

He was in charge of driving the city ambulance to deliver influenza patients to and from the hospital during an outbreak in the city. Patrolman Liesveld also carried several patients to the city ambulance from their homes so they could be seen by health professionals. It was while doing this work that Patrolman Liesveld became ill and was confined to a bed. Knowing he was greatly needed, Patrolman Liesveld left his bed and went back to his post where he was taken ill again and was confined back to his bed at his home where he died of complications of the Spanish Influenza.

Patrolman Liesveld served with the Moline Police Department for three years. He was survived by his parents, wife, and daughter.

Effects of the 1918-1920 Influenza Pandemic on Law Enforcement

Also known as "Spanish Flu" or "LaGrippe," the Influenza Pandemic of 1918 to early 1920, infected an estimated 500 million people worldwide—about one-third of the planet’s population—and killed approximately 675,000 Americans. The effect of the influenza epidemic in the United States was so dire that the average life span in the U.S. fell by twelve years. The four waves of the flu began in March 1918 and ended in April 1920. Many officers contracted this virus due to the requirements of their job.

The names of every officer who died in the line of duty from the Influenza Pandemic will likely never be known. Still, ODMP researchers continue to uncover new cases as part of our mission never to forget the fallen.

Please click here to view ODMP's Influenza memorial, listing all known fallen officers from the pandemic.