Roll of Honor
Incident
Officer Nicholas Koleski was shot and killed after being abducted while investigating illegal moonshining.
His body was found in a creek blindfolded with five bullets in his head. The four suspects were later apprehended and brought to trial. During their trial the judge ordered the charges dismissed stating the prosecution had only circumstantial evidence.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-WA-DAA52831- 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 Koleski served with the Aberdeen Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Aberdeen community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Officer Koleski.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Officer Nicholas Koleski 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 WA, 187 of 339 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 55.2% of this state's fallen. That is 1 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Aberdeen Police Department, 3 of 4 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 75% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Nicholas Koleski's cause is highlighted.
How Nicholas Koleski Compares
Offender Outcome
Murder charges dismissed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Nicholas Koleski is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Nicholas Koleski was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Aberdeen Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
