Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Walter Rauch was shot and killed while searching the area for two subjects who had robbed three people on Christmas Eve and early Christmas morning. Patrolman Rauch went to 229-241 East First Street, a location known as a thug hangout, and his body was found shortly afterward. It is believed that he may have surprised the suspects and was shot by them. The shooter was never apprehended. Patrolman Rauch had served with the Dayton Police Department for six years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-OH-384B7BD0- 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.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Rauch gave the Dayton Police Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Dayton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Rauch.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Walter E. Rauch 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. Walter E. Rauch's cause is highlighted.
How Walter E. Rauch Compares
Offender Outcome
Never apprehended
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Walter E. Rauch is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Walter E. Rauch was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
30 officers from Dayton Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
