The Champaign Police Department has added a new vehicle to its fleet that honors fallen Champaign Police Officer Robert L. Tatman #80, who was killed in the line of duty on November 25, 1967.
The commemorative vehicle reflects the color scheme and door decals of the 1967 squad car that Tatman drove, and is one of several tributes that have been coordinated over the year leading up to the 50-year anniversary of Officer Tatman’s duty death.
To culminate the year of homage, on Saturday, November 25, 2017, a brief service will be held at the Police Memorial in West Side Park at 12:15 PM, followed by a motorcade to W. Church St., just West of Mattis Ave., where the State of Illinois, with the sponsorship of Senator Chapin Rose and Senator Scott M. Bennett, will unveil an honorary street sign in tribute to Officer Tatman. Additional details to be provided.
CPD would like to give special thanks to Mark Shelmadine, Lead Mechanic with the City’s Public Works Department, who completed the buildout of the commemorative police squad vehicle.
Questions? Contact Zane Ziegler, [email protected]