Joseph Floyd Taylor was a 29-year-old Black/African American officer with the Grand Rapids Police Department when he was killed in the line of duty on November 17, 1986. A six-year department veteran assigned to the Burglary Unit, he was part of a team searching a home for a murder suspect that day.

As he went upstairs to conduct the search, the suspect—hiding behind a door—ambushed Officer Taylor and shot him twice, killing him. The suspect surrendered to the other officers at the scene, was charged, convicted on two counts of first-degree murder, and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Officer Taylor was survived by his wife, parents, and three siblings.

If anyone knew Officer Taylor or has information about that case or its impact on his family and colleagues, please share what is known.