Prev
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.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpycetqh80k2e54vfbzm- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- September 9, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Ruben. 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.
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
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Ruben is the only officer of St. Charles Police Department remembered here.
Ruben is one of 393 officers killed feloniously in VA, 60.2% of the 653 remembered there.
Ruben is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Ruben is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1936, 10 officers in VA were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1936, 136 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 31st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1936, 136 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 38th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Ruben was 46. Of the 364 killed feloniously in VA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38.
Ruben was 46. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
Ruben was 46. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
August holds 9.4% of these deaths in VA; December holds the most, 10.4%. Sundays: 18.6%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at St. Charles Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun; .38 caliber, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.2% of all 653 deaths in VA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .38 caliber, in 1.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .38 caliber, in 0.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .38 caliber, in 0.7% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 30-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from St. Charles Police Department are honored on badge.nw.