Police Officer James Arland Rowland, Jr., Palmer Police Department, Alaska

Police Officer James Arland Rowland, Jr.

Palmer Police Department, Alaska

End of Watch Saturday, May 15, 1999

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James Arland Rowland, Jr.

Police Officer James Rowland was shot and killed while checking on a person who was slumped over the wheel of a pickup truck at the Carrs Quality Center parking lot at 535 Evergreen Avenue in Palmer.

During the check at 1:30 a.m., 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 shooting and called for assistance. Officer Rowland was the only officer on duty at the time of the incident.

The suspect was sentenced to the maximum sentence of 99 years.

Officer Rowland was a United States Navy veteran and had served with the Palmer Police Department for three years. He is survived by his wife and 5-year-old son.

Bio

Age 30
Tour 9 years
Badge 9G-15
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun
Offender Sentenced to 99 years

welfare check, suspicious vehicle

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Hey you! Sorry I'm a little bit tardy. I went to the doctor the day before and got home with an awesome game plan. Was feeling super excited. I guess my germ of a shepherd caught on and decided to join the excitement. He bashed into me as I was trying to open the sliding screen door. I face planted and then we tangled up and fell backwards down the stairs. He broke lose and ran for the tree line. Me, I couldn't move! LOL Boy was he lucky. Took out my whole right side. Lucky it wasn't the bad side! Miss this silly idle chatter with you still. At least you laughed at my life with me. I can still picture you clearly. Both on the times we ran into each other on our shifts and that morning, that life changing morning. I miss you my friend, love your beautiful soul forever. Best cop Palmer ever had.

Ulla R Stice
EMT III. CHIEF, RET.

May 20, 2025