Valley City Police Department, North Dakota
End of Watch Tuesday, August 28, 1906
Add to My HeroesHermon Myron Personius
Policeman Hermon Personius was shot and killed while investigating the robbery of a train. The operator of the train that was robbed called ahead to another operator to alert the police of the incident and to be on the lookout when the train arrived in Valley City.
Policeman Personius, the chief, another officer, and a civilian, met the train when it arrived and began searching it. Policeman Personius caught one man and turned him over to the other officer. He began searching another boxcar and was shot twice as he shined his light into the car.
The shooter fled into the darkness and was never seen again. A man was charged with his murder but freed when he proved he was somewhere else. On December 28, 1906, the man Policeman Personius caught was sentenced to 15 years hard labor.
Policeman Personius had served with the agency for two and a half years and was survived by his wife, five sons, and two daughters. He was buried in Hillside Cemetery in Valley City.
Bio
- Age 44
- Tour 2 years, 6 months
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun
- Offender Never apprehended
Most Recent Reflection
View all 12 ReflectionsYour killer may have escaped off into the night but he surely faced his justice at a later time in a different place. Rest in peace always knowing that no passage of time will ever erase your service and sacrifice.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
August 28, 2020
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