Roll of Honor
Incident
Trooper Vernon Rolfs was shot and killed during a traffic stop of a speeding motorist near North Platte, Nebraska.
The suspect was captured hours later, convicted of Trooper Rolfs' murder and subsequently sentenced to life in prison in August of 1953. He died in prison on January 28th, 1989.
Trooper Rolfs had served with the Nebraska State Patrol for three years.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NE-5FD945C3- 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.
Trooper Rolfs gave the Nebraska State Patrol 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the people of Nebraska. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Trooper Rolfs.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Trooper Vernon C. Rolfs 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 NE, 97 of 151 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 64.2% of this state's fallen. That is 10 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Nebraska State Patrol, 5 of 15 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 33.3% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Vernon C. Rolfs's cause is highlighted.
How Vernon C. Rolfs Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Vernon C. Rolfs is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Vernon C. Rolfs was killed by handgun; .45 caliber.
Others Who Wore This Badge
14 officers from Nebraska State Patrol are honored on badge.nw.
