Roll of Honor
Incident
Policeman Fred Alderman was shot and killed as he attempted to track a man who had used stolen property to pay a fine.
The man had been arrested for public drunkenness the previous night and was required to pay $8.50 before he could be released from jail. The man claimed that he could not afford the payment and asked Policeman Alderman if he could use his watch and various other personal goods to settle the debt. Policeman Alderman agreed and paid the remainder of the suspect's fine out of his own pocket.
After the suspect was released it was discovered that the property he had put towards his fine was stolen. Policeman Alderman and his partner spent the day canvassing the city for tips about the subject's whereabouts. They were given information that the man lived on the outskirts of town and they proceeded to the house at nightfall.
Fargo police officers were not equipped with night lanterns at the time and, in the darkness, Policeman Alderman mistook a neighboring home for the suspect's residence. Policeman Alderman knocked on the door of the home and asked to be admitted. When he received no response, he attempted to force the door open. As he did so, the occupant of the home opened fire on him, striking him in the chest and killing him instantly.
The woman told police that she had mistaken Policeman Alderman for a tramp who was attempting to break into her house. She was initially charged with Policeman Alderman's murder, but a jury ruled the incident justifiable homicide because Policeman Alderman did not identify himself to the woman.
Policeman Alderman had served with Fargo Police Department for only two months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and brother.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-ND-9EEFD003- Stewardship
- 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
144 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Policeman Alderman served with the Fargo Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Fargo community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Policeman Frederick D. Alderman is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 officers honored here.
In ND, 39 of 61 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 63.9% of this state's fallen. That is 63.9 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Fargo Police Department, 3 of 3 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Frederick D. Alderman's cause is highlighted.
How Frederick D. Alderman Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Frederick D. Alderman is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Frederick D. Alderman was killed by handgun; revolver.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Fargo Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
