Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman James Roche succumbed to injuries received three weeks earlier in a gunfight with a suspect. Patrolman Roche was attempting to apprehend the suspect in a residence when he was shot five times. He was able to return fire, fatally wounding the suspect. Patrolman Roche was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries three weeks later. Patrolman Roche had been with the agency for six years and had also been a police officer in Limerick, Ireland, before immigrating to the United States. He was survived by his wife and five children. In May 2019, Panther Drive was renamed to Officer James Roche Drive.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and five children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NH-9A8FBD2D- 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.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew James. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Roche gave the Nashua Police Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Nashua community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Roche.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman James H. Roche 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 NH, 23 of 59 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 39% of this state's fallen. That is 15.2 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At Nashua Police Department, 2 of 5 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 40% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James H. Roche's cause is highlighted.
How James H. Roche Compares
Offender Outcome
Shot and killed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James H. Roche is highlighted in Oct.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James H. Roche was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Nashua Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
