William "Bill" Talbert - Law Enforcement - Maryland

Police Officer Bill Talbert, age 64, died on January 27, 2012, in Berkeley Springs, Maryland.

He had previously been a member of the Montgomery County Police Department, Maryland. He had 13 years of service. 

He died as the result of contracting Hepatitis C in the line of duty. Officer Talbert contracted the disease following a blood transfusion in 1980 after being injured by a drunk driver. He was standing between his patrol car and another vehicle when a drunk driver struck one of the vehicles, causing Officer Talbert to be pinned between them. He was transported to a local hospital where he underwent a blood transfusion. It was discovered later that the blood he received was infected with Hepatitis C.

He was forced to medically retire in 1984 and his health continued to deteriorate until he passed away on January 27, 2012.

Bill was born in Washington, D.C. He graduated from Surratsville High School in Clinton, Maryland, in 1965. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1966 and served most of his service as an engineman 3rd class on the U.S.S. Sea Poacher. He received an honorable discharge from the Navy after serving four years active duty and two years in the Naval Reserves.

In 1971, Bill joined the Montgomery County (Md.) Police Department. As a decorated officer, Bill received numerous awards for meritorious service and valor in the line of duty. He received multiple lifesaving awards, including a Governor's Citation and a Commendation for Heroism by the Veterans Administration. Bill received multiple awards from Mothers Against Drunk Driving, was an honorary lieutenant colonel in the Alabama State Militia and was recognized in the State, House and Senate of Maryland, in Maryland Senate Resolution 71. In 1978, he received the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce Bronze Medal of Valor for heroic lifesaving measures. 

Jesus, pray for Bill Talbert

Bill is survived by many loving friends and relatives including his wife, Judy Talbert; daughter Laura Talbert; sons - William Talbert, David Talbert and Gregory Talbert; and sister Ellen Talbert-Miller.

Pray for all who die due to doing their job. 

Let us pray to God the Father, Jesus, all of the saints and all of the angels that Bill Talbert is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen