Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Lee Fahler was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a suspicious person. The man attempted to bribe Patrolman Fahler as he was being questioned. At that point Patrolman Fahler put the man under arrest and the two started to walk towards the suspect's car. The suspect produced a handgun and opened fire on the officer. The suspect was shot and killed in return gunfire. During the ensuing investigation over 20 cases of whiskey were found inside the vehicle the man had been driving. He was in the process of smuggling the whiskey from Canada to Chishoim, Minnesota. The man was placed under arrest and charged in connection with Patrolman Fahler's murder and smuggling. Patrolman Fahler had served with the Minot Police Department for only 2 months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and 8-year-old son.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-ND-7D462C72- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Fahler served with the Minot Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Minot community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Fahler.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Lee S. Fahler is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 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 9.7 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Minot Police Department, 2 of 2 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. Lee S. Fahler's cause is highlighted.
How Lee S. Fahler Compares
Offender Outcome
Shot and killed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Lee S. Fahler is highlighted in Jan.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Lee S. Fahler was killed by handgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Minot Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
