March 15, 2021
The Washington State Patrol’s seventh officer lost in the line of duty was Highway Patrolman Allen Edwin Ludden. A husband, father of two, and World War I veteran, he lost his life after suffering an apparent mechanical failure while riding his motorcycle on March 15, 1938.
Patrolman Ludden was 37 years old and had served the agency and the state of Washington for just 18 months at the time of his passing. His living descendants – grandchildren and great grandchildren – never had the chance to know this fine public servant, veteran, and family man. The Washington State Patrol takes this, the 83rd commemoration of his passing to once again offer our appreciation and honors. We remember…
BIO
Allen E. Ludden was born on August 9, 1900, to John L. Ludden and Florence B. Johnston. Not much is known of Ludden’s childhood. As a teenager, he lived in Hoquiam and joined the armed forces, serving as a private in World War I as a member of the 44th Infantry.
Ludden married his wife, Frances Beulah Cote, on November 5, 1927, in King County. The pair resided in Grays Harbor where he worked as a sign maker at New Sign Company in Aberdeen. The couple had two boys, Allen E. Jr., and Richard. He later worked as a mechanic in Spokane in 1932.
He joined the Washington State Highway Patrol under the command of William Cole, the agency’s first Chief, on October 5, 1936. He and his family moved to the Seattle area where he patrolled.
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At around noon on March 15, 1938, Patrolman Ludden was riding his motorcycle at a weigh station off the Seattle-Tacoma Highway, just south of the Seattle city limits.
A witness said it looked as though Patrolman Ludden was suffering mechanical issues when he drove over a weighing platform and lost control, colliding into a six-foot ditch. One of the motorcycle’s wheels detached at impact and rolled more than 100 feet from the collision scene.
Washington State Highway Patrolman Allen E. Ludden was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Patrolman Ludden was survived by his wife and two sons, aged 7 and 4 at the time of his passing.
The Washington State Patrol holds Highway Patrolman Allen E. Ludden and the other 30 WSP personnel who have offered their final sacrifice in the line of duty with highest regard. At 37 years of age at the time of his passing, he had exhibited duty to his country, his state, and his family, already distinguishing himself by service. Still, he was taken far too soon.
Patrolman Ludden had served the agency and the State of Washington for just 18 months at the time of his death. However, heroism is not measured by the length of service or even in the circumstances of loss. It is measured in the courage to risk, the willingness to endure, and the decision to serve. With the better part of a century passed since his passing, the Washington State Patrol continues to recognize the honor of his service and the tragedy of his sacrifice.
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