Watch CBS News

Officer Killed In 1890 Honored In Downtown Denver

DENVER (CBS4) - A memorial sign now hangs at the intersection of 9th Avenue and Broadway in Denver. It honors a Denver police officer who died 128 years ago.

DPD MEMORIAL 6VO.transfer_frame_0
(credit: CBS)

Officers put up the sign on Monday for Officer Charles Wanless. He died after confronting a man who was threatening people with a gun in 1890.

Wanless was just the second officer killed in the line of duty in Denver's history.

"This happened over 100 years ago, but it doesn't diminish the sacrifice Charles gave to the Denver police department and the city and county of Denver," said Chief Paul Pazen.

DPD MEMORIAL 6VO.transfer_frame_718
(credit: CBS)

The ceremony on Monday is part of an ongoing effort by the Denver Police Museum to place memorial signs where officers have lost their lives.

To date, 72 DPD officers have been killed on the job, and 30 signs have been placed.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.