Hundreds of law enforcement personnel -- including troopers, deputies and officers -- gathered Monday in the Quad Cities to celebrate renaming the Centennial Bridge, connecting Rock Island with Davenport.
The Master Sgt. Stanley Talbot Memorial Bridge honors a man who was killed at the foot of the bridge in Rock Island in 2001 during a roadside safety check.
Talbot, 50, was dragged for several blocks by a motorist who had been stopped, and then a pursuing squad car accidentally ran over him. Illinois State Police Director Leo Schmitz says it's important to never to forget him and his service.
"There's a common bond for all of us, anybody that raises their right hand and puts on a badge," he said. "Our job is to take care of the people. He was willing to trade his life to save others, and he did."
Dan Roach served with Talbot, calling him a friend and mentor.
"When he worked in patrol he would often help out a stranded motorist -- by paying for a meal, some gasoline, and even once for a new tire," Roach said. "Stan personified the long-standing motto of the Illinois State Police -- integrity, service, and pride."
A native of Annawan in Henry County, Talbot joined the Illinois State Police in 1975. He had planned to retire later in the year he retired. His son now serves with the Collinsville Police Department and a daughter is a State Police master sergeant
The renaming was approved this spring by the Illinois General Assembly.
