Kimberly Police Department, Alabama
End of Watch Wednesday, February 5, 2020
Add to My HeroesNicholas Daniel O'Rear
Police Officer Nick O'Rear was shot and killed during a vehicle pursuit on I-65 near Old U.S. Highway 31 at about 10:00 pm.
An officer with the Warrior Police Department had initiated the pursuit when he attempted to conduct a traffic stop. Officer O'Rear responded to assist in the pursuit when the man opened fire, striking him. Officer O'Rear's vehicle then crashed nearby. He was transported to UAB Hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds at 1:15 am.
The driver fled into Jefferson County, where he was taken into custody and subsequently charged with capital murder. In 2022, the subject pleaded guilty to intentional murder to avoid the death penalty.
Officer O'Rear had served with the Kimberly Police Department for one year and had previously served with the Ashville Police Department. He is survived by his two children, with a third child on the way.
Bio
- Age 33
- Tour 2 years
- Badge 974
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Incident Date Tuesday, February 4, 2020
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Charged with capital murder
Most Recent Reflection
View all 126 ReflectionsNick was one of the best (and funniest) people I’ve ever met. That guy knew how to joke around and keep the morale high during our academy days! I think about him from time to time and just how much he is truly missed.
You will never be forgotten! We love you brother!
Officer William Preston
Winter Springs Police Department
May 9, 2021
Recent LODD Deaths

Deputy Sheriff Brandon Sikes
Columbia County Sheriff's Office, GA
EOW: April 26, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Jesse Perez
Dawson County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: April 22, 2025

Captain Helio Armando Garcia, III
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