Montgomery County Police Department, Maryland
End of Watch Tuesday, January 25, 1994
Add to My HeroesJames E. Walch
Police Officer James Walch was killed in an automobile crash while responding to a call for assistance in pursuit of a 13-year-old in a stolen car.
During the pursuit, the cruiser struck a patch of black ice on Randolph Road, just west of New Hampshire Avenue, and went out of control. The vehicle spun around and struck a utility pole rear-first, causing the gas tank to rupture and the car to burst into flames. Officer Walch was killed on impact.
Another officer was also on the scene after hitting the same patch of ice in a separate patrol car. That officer received minor burns and scratches while trying to rescue Officer Walch.
Officer Walch was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and had served with the Montgomery County Police Department for six years. He is survived by his wife, son, parents, and siblings.
He is buried at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Silver Spring, Maryland.
Bio
- Age 30
- Tour 6 years
- Badge Not available
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Vehicle pursuit
- Weapon Automobile
- Offender Not available
Most Recent Reflection
View all 33 ReflectionsPolice Officer III James E. Walch was brave. He gave his life to serve and protect and will always be honored and forever remembered. He's now in heaven with the other fallen angels.
Thank you, Police Officer III James E. Walch for all you did, Forever Rest in Peace!
Rachel Blitz,
Montgomery County, MD (Resident)
Thank you for your service & sacrifice.
February 18, 2024
Recent LODD Deaths
Police Officer Kyle Hicks
Corpus Christi Police Department, TX
EOW: April 24, 2024
Investigator John Hampton Coddou, III
Harris County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: April 23, 2024
Police Officer Jordan Wingate
Oakland Police Department, CA
EOW: April 20, 2024
Police Officer Luis M. Huesca
Chicago Police Department, IL
EOW: April 21, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Tobin Bolter
Ada County Sheriff's Office, ID
EOW: April 21, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Alfredo "Freddy" Flores
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: April 20, 2024
Investigator Brian Herbert
Osage Nation Police Department, TR
EOW: April 17, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Fred Fislar
Hendricks County Sheriff's Office, IN
EOW: April 16, 2024
Police Officer Michael E. Jensen
Syracuse Police Department, NY
EOW: April 14, 2024