Roll of Honor
Incident
Chief Wallen was shot and killed when he attempted to arrest a coal mine worker for carrying a pistol in town shortly after midnight. The suspect immediately opened fire on Chief Wallen. The chief was struck three times and killed instantly.
Two men who were with the chief took the suspect and his acquaintance into custody at the scene. On October 2, 1936, the gunman was found guilty of first degree murder and sentenced to 21 years.
Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo Delaware State Police (Retired) August 16th, 2020
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- 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.
Chief of Police Wallen served with the St. Charles Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the St. Charles community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Wallen.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Chief of Police Ruben Wallen 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 VA, 395 of 654 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.4% of this state's fallen. That is 6.2 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Ruben Wallen's cause is highlighted.
How Ruben Wallen Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 21 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Ruben Wallen is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Ruben Wallen was killed by handgun; .38 caliber.