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 Spanish Flu on Law Enforcement

From 1918 to early 1919, the Spanish Flu pandemic infected an estimated 500 million people worldwide—about one-third of the planet’s population—and killed approximately 675,000 Americans. 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 Spanish Flu will likely never be known, but ODMP researchers continue to uncover new cases as part of our mission to never forget the fallen.

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