Ocean View Police Department, Delaware
End of Watch Saturday, August 21, 1971
Add to My HeroesWallace A. Melson
Officer Wallace Melson suffered a fatal heart attack during a vehicle pursuit. He had chased the suspect into the neighboring town of Millville and was able to get the car stopped. When he stepped out of his patrol car and made contact with the suspect, he collapsed. The suspect then fled the scene and was never identified or apprehended.
There were several firemen who witnessed Officer Melson's heart attack. They started CPR but Officer Melson had died almost immediately.
Officer Melson, a WWII veteran who served in the Army Air Corps, had served with the Ocean View Police Department for 4 years. He was survived by his wife, two daughters, and son.
Bio
- Age 48
- Tour 4 years
- Badge 2
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Heart attack
Most Recent Reflection
View all 16 ReflectionsOfficer Melson,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Oceanside. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
August 21, 2021
Recent LODD Deaths

Parole Agent Joshua Lemont Byrd
California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, CA
EOW: July 17, 2025

Sergeant Alton Dale Berrian
Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: May 16, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Antonio Aleman
Doña Ana County Sheriff's Office, NM
EOW: July 8, 2025

Officer Miguel Cano
California Highway Patrol, CA
EOW: July 2, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Devin Mason
Darlington County Sheriff's Office, SC
EOW: July 1, 2025

Detention Officer Francisco Paul Flattes
Cherokee County Sheriff's Office, NC
EOW: June 30, 2025

Police Officer Kelvin Patrick
Detroit Police Department, MI
EOW: February 6, 2025

Supervisory Special Agent Dennis M. Wagner, Jr.
United States Department of Justice - Federal Bureau of Investigation, US
EOW: March 5, 2025

Police Officer Kendall Isaiah Corder
Milwaukee Police Department, WI
EOW: June 29, 2025