Roll of Honor
Incident
Police Officer William Whalen was shot and killed near the intersection of Xenia Avenue at St. Paul Avenue while attempting to stop a vehicle wanted in connection with a shooting at a local hotel. As he attempted to stop the truck, the driver opened the rear window and opened fire with an AR-15 rifle. Officer Whalen was able to return fire twice but was struck in the head and killed. The subject was apprehended and sentenced to life in prison. His first parole hearing is in June 2048. Officer Whalen had served with the Dayton Police Department for 15 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his parents.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-OH-E3D1B8E3- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew William. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Whalen gave the Dayton Police Department 15 years.
Thank you for your service to the Dayton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Whalen.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer William Steven Whalen is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In OH, 572 of 991 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 57.7% of this state's fallen. That is 3.5 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Dayton Police Department, 18 of 31 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 58.1% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. William Steven Whalen's cause is highlighted.
How William Steven Whalen Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William Steven Whalen is highlighted in Mar.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William Steven Whalen was killed by rifle; ar-15.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
30 officers from Dayton Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
