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.

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. A May 1978 Directory of United States Probation Officers indicates Charles was working out of the U.S. Courthouse, 940 Front Street, San Diego, 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. Manually and AI enhanced.

LINK:

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. Special Note: Marie Curtis’ middle name was thought to be “Christopher” at the time the coin was designed. This curator has uncovered Marie’s middle name was “Frances” and “Christopher” was her maiden name.

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. Special Note: Marie Curtis’ middle name was thought to be “Christopher” at the time the plaque was designed. This curator has uncovered Marie’s middle name was “Frances” and “Christopher” was her maiden name.

Get yours! The first and only credential patch. Leather look PVC based on a 1966 credential. After an approved donation, you will receive a Museum CRED patch.  This offer is valid while supplies last and only one patch per person.