Palmer Police Department, Alaska
End of Watch: Saturday, May 15, 1999
Age: 30
Tour of Duty: 9 years
Badge Number: 9G-15
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: May 15, 1999
Weapon Used: Handgun
Suspect Info: Shot and wounded; Arrested
Police Officer James Rowland was shot and killed while checking on a person who was slumped over the wheel of a pickup truck.
During the check a struggle ensued and shots were fired. Officer Rowland was struck and fatally wounded, but was able to return fire and wound the suspect. A paramedic who was riding along with Officer Rowland witnessed the incident and called for assistance. Officer Rowland was the only officer on duty at the time of incident.
Officer Rowland had served with the Palmer Police Department for three years and had served as a canine handler in the United States Navy for 6 years. He is survived by his wife and 5-year-old son.