Patrol Officer Randall A. Blank, a 23-year-old white male, was killed on December 31, 1980, in Rockford, Illinois. He was responding to a report of a purse snatching at a local bar when he encountered the suspect and chased on foot. During a struggle the suspect obtained Officer Blank’s service weapon and shot him in the head.

Officer Blank had served with the Rockford Police Department for 10 months and previously with the Freeport Police Department for 1.5 years. Responding units apprehended the suspect shortly after the incident; that person was later convicted and sentenced to prison and ultimately died while incarcerated.

Officer Blank’s death ended a promising young law enforcement career and was mourned by the department and community. If anyone knew Officer Blank, his patrol work, or the circumstances at the bar that night, please share information or memories.