Front view of a historic government building with large red banners hanging from columns, trees lining the sidewalk, and traffic signals in the foreground.

Fallen Staff - Charles G. Venz

Seal of the U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Museum with scales, an open book, a key, a sword, and a star.

Courtesy of The Officer Down Memorial Page:

End of Watch: Tuesday, October 2, 1979

Probation Officer Charles Venz was killed in a vehicle crash on I-805, just north of Federal Boulevard, in San Diego, California.

He was conducting fieldwork when his vehicle struck a city sanitation truck that was stopped on the interstate.

Officer Venz had served with the United States Courts for nine years and was assigned to the Southern District of California. He was survived by his wife and four daughters.

Charles G. Venz.  Credential photo from 1970?

Charles G. Venz in the office.  Date unknown.

LINK:

Badge with shield emblem and gold stars, text reads 'Officer Down Memorial Page' and letters 'ODMP'.

Officer Down Memorial Page

Charter Arms .38 special carried by fallen USPO Charles G. Venz, Southern District of California. USPO Venz was appointed in 1970 and served until his death on Oct 2, 1979.

Image courtesy USPO Venz's youngest daughter.

Obverse of 2" coin presented to families and district representatives at fallen staff ceremony on September 9, 2016. Co-designed by this curator and a PPSO Staffer, with input from other national administrative staff. Manufactured by Smith & Warren.

Reverse of 2" coin presented to families and district representatives at fallen staff ceremony on September 9, 2016. Co-designed by this curator and a PPSO Staffer, with input from other national administrative staff. Manufactured by Smith & Warren.

Plaque to honor the death of all four Fallen Staff on display at the Probation and Pretrial Services Office, Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, Washington, D.C.

Actual photo of the first credential patch. Leather look and feel PVC based on a 1966 credential. After an approved donation is received, you will receive a Museum PVC CRED patch.  This offer is valid while supplies last and only one patch per person.