Mandan Police Department, North Dakota
End of Watch Saturday, December 25, 1926
Add to My HeroesNels H. Romer
Chief of Police Nels Romer was shot and killed when he responded to a domestic disturbance on Christmas day at 12:30 pm.
He was shot by the male subject as he arrived at the home on 1st Avenue Northwest. The suspect then drove into town and shot at two citizens before being arrested by the county sheriff. The sheriff took the man to jail in Bismark to prevent an angry mob from lynching him.
On March 1, 1927, the 22-year-old suspect was found guilty of second-degree murder and sentenced to 23 years in prison. He was denied parole on June 5, 1935.
Chief Romer had served with the Mandan Police Department for five years and previously served with the Stutsman Sheriff’s Department. He was survived by his second wife and three children. He was preceded in death by his first wife and one-year-old child.
Bio
- Age 55
- Tour 10 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun; .38 caliber
- Offender Sentenced to 23 years
Most Recent Reflection
View all 8 ReflectionsRest in peace Chief of Police Romer.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
December 25, 2021
Recent LODD Deaths

Lieutenant Helio Garcia
South Fulton Police Department, GA
EOW: April 16, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Melissa Pollard
Wood County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: April 9, 2025

Deputy Sheriff William May
Walton County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: April 2, 2025

Police Officer Osmar Rodarte
Marysville Police Department, CA
EOW: March 26, 2025

Sergeant Grant J. Candies
St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office, LA
EOW: March 23, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Hector Cuevas, Jr.
San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: March 17, 2025

Sergeant Joseph Anthony Azcona
Newark Police Division, NJ
EOW: March 8, 2025

Police Officer Felicia Dee Reilly
Saint Paul Police Department, MN
EOW: March 1, 2025

Deputy Sergeant Martin Shields, Jr.
Hinds County Sheriff's Office, MS
EOW: February 23, 2025