Washington State Patrol, Washington
End of Watch: Saturday, August 18, 1951
Age: 38
Tour of Duty: 9 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Automobile crash
Date of Incident: August 18, 1951
Weapon Used: Not available
Suspect Info: Acquitted
Patrolman Ivan Belka was killed when his patrol car was struck by a car that made a left turn on Division Street in front of him as he was returning to the Spokane Station at 8 am. Patrolman Belka was transported to the Deaconess Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries at 2:45 pm.
The 25-year-old driver was charged with negligent homicide and reckless driving. A jury acquitted him.
Patrolman Belka had served with the Washington State Patrol for over nine years and previously served with the Port Angeles Police Department and Pierce County Sheriff's Office. He was survived by his wife, child, four brothers, and sister.