Montgomery County Police will be giving a final salute Tuesday to a colleague who died Jan. 27, two decades after being struck by a vehicle while on a traffic stop.
But, it wasn't the injuries from the 1983 wreck that claimed Officer William D. "Bill" Talbert, 64.
It was Hepatitis C that he contracted during a blood transfusion he received while being treated for the injuries, according to WUSA-TV.
Talbert was standing between his patrol car and another vehicle in 1983 when a drunk driver struck one of the cars and pinned Talbert between them.
He was rushed to a hospital, and found out that the blood he received was infected with Hepatitis C.
The 13-year veteran was forced to retire from the force for medical reasons in 1984.
He was an active member of MADD, and received numerous awards from the organization.
Funeral services will be Tuesday, Jan. 31 at 2 p.m. at Helsley-Johnson Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 95 Union St., Berkeley Springs, with Pastor Darrel Gentry officiating.
Interment with honors rendered by the Montgomery County Police Department will be in the Talbert Family Cemetery, Berkeley Springs.
