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Incident
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.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Police Officer Rowland gave the Palmer Police Department 9 years.
Thank you for your service to the Palmer community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
James Arland Rowland Jr. served in the the United States military before joining law enforcement.
The Sacrifice · Felonious
James is the only officer of Palmer Police Department remembered here.
James is one of 35 officers killed feloniously in AK, 70% of the 50 remembered there.
James is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
James is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1999, 1 officer in AK was killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 29 years on record. The heaviest was 1974, with 2.
In 1999, 58 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 133rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1999, 61 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 132nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 30. Of the 34 killed feloniously in AK whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 41.8; the middle age was 34.5. James had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
James was 30. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. James had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 30. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. James had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
May holds 14.3% of these deaths in AK; January holds the most, 17.1%. Saturdays: 25.7%.
May holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
May holds 8.5% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Palmer Police Department.
Felonious deaths account for 70% of all 50 deaths in AK, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause.
Where
Military Service
James Arland Rowland Jr. served in the United States military before joining law enforcement.
Visit James Arland Rowland Jr.’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Where the Name Is Cut
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Also Remembered
Others Who Wore This Badge
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