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Incident
Chief of Police Earl Rimmer was killed in an automobile accident on the Wilksboro Road, approximately 16 miles north of Statesville, at about 10:30 pm.
He was returning to Mooresville after having conducted official business. The vehicle ran off the road, possibly due to a flat tire, and overturned several times. Chief Rimmer was killed and his passenger was injured.
Chief Rimmer had served with the Mooresville Police Department for 10 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, three children, and mother.
In Our Keeping
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Chief of Police Rimmer gave the Mooresville Police Department 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Mooresville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Rimmer.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Mooresville Police Department has lost 3 officers; 1 of them lost to accidents.
James is one of 205 officers lost to accidents in NC, 30.9% of the 664 remembered there.
James is one of 8,276 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,552 remembered there.
James is one of 10,096 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1938, 2 officers in NC were lost to accidents, the 31st heaviest of 90 years on record. The heaviest was 2018, with 7.
In 1938, 89 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 15th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1938, 100 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 21st heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
James was 36. Of the 194 lost to accidents in NC whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 46; the middle age was 35. James had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 5.4 years.
James was 36. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. James had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 36. Of the 9,452 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. James had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 10.2% of these deaths in NC; September holds the most, 12.7%. Wednesdays: 15.1%.
December holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
December holds 8.9% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Wednesdays: 14.6%.
How
Accident deaths account for 33.3% of all 3 deaths at Mooresville Police Department, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30.9% of all 664 deaths in NC, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Mooresville Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Mooresville Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
