Roll of Honor
Incident
Officer Patrick Devaney was shot when he and Special Agent Kersey Gowin, of the North Dakota Attorney General's Office, were attempting to arrest two or more thieves. The officers were laying in wait in a field for the automobile tire thieves when they were shot. Officer Devaney was killed instantly. Agent Gowin was taken to a nearby hospital where he succumbed to his wounds early the next morning. Five men were arrested, however, one confessed and was convicted. He served two years in prison before escaping and was considered at large. Officer Devaney had served with the Minot Police Department for only three months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and five children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-ND-E51996E6- 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.
Officer Devaney served with the Minot Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Minot community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Officer Devaney.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Officer Patrick Devaney 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. Patrick Devaney's cause is highlighted.
How Patrick Devaney Compares
Offender Outcome
Convicted of murder
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Patrick Devaney is highlighted in Apr.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Patrick Devaney was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Minot Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
