UPDATED 10:20 A.M.
EAST PEORIA, Ill. – East Peoria’s Police Chief says the legacy of a recently passed detective is one of “service, kindness, and commitment.”
Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood says 41-year-old Robert Vester passed away late-afternoon Wednesday after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest at his rural Peoria County home.
East Peoria Police Chief David Catton says Vester was an outstanding investigator and officer, but also an “exceptional” person whose compassion and care for others left an impact.
“He was known for his unwavering willingness to help—no matter the time or circumstance—and for approaching his work and his community with integrity, empathy, and professionalism,” Catton said in a statement to WMBD Radio.
Catton says Vester’s loss will be felt throughout the police department and the community.
Vester came to the East Peoria Police Department in 2017, after serving as a K-9 officer for the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office.
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EAST PEORIA, Ill. – The East Peoria Police Department is mourning the loss of one of its detectives.
Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood says 41-year-old Robert Vester suffered a sudden cardiac arrest at his home Saturday morning in rural Peoria County.
Vester’s wife performed CPR until emergency crews arrived, and was taken to OSF Saint Francis in critical condition.
Harwood says Vester was pronounced dead Wednesday just before 5:45 P.M at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center.
A procession line of East Peoria squad cars escorted Vester from the hospital Thursday morning.
Vester previously worked for the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office as a K-9 officer, and was a volunteer for the Marshall County to Peoria St. Jude Run.
