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Incident
Patrolman Jim Sides succumbed to gunshot wounds he received on April 3, 1984.
At 9:45 a.m., Patrolman Sides and two other officers responded to a trespassing call at 2216 Pecan Drive in Alamogordo. When officers arrived, the subject exited the house and fired at the officers. Patrolman Sides was struck in the head and broke his leg while falling. Another officer sustained two bullet wounds to his cheek. The subject fled the house and barricaded himself in the backyard of another residence. When he fired at responding officers, they returned fire, killing the subject.
The subject was a parolee who had been convicted of aggravated battery of a police officer.
Patrolman Sides was transported to Las Cruces Memorial Hospital where he underwent a seven-hour surgery to remove a bullet from his temple. Due to his injuries, he retired in October 1984. His death on August 14, 2023, was attributed to the brain injury he received when he was shot.
Patrolman Sides had served with the Alamogordo Department of Public Safety, now named the Alamogordo Police Department, for three years and previously served with the New Mexico State Police for five years and the Hildago County Sheriff's Office for one year.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Sides gave the Alamogordo Police Department 9 years.
Thank you for your service to the Alamogordo community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Sides.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Alamogordo Police Department has lost 6 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 123 officers killed feloniously in NM, 63.7% of the 193 remembered there.
James is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2023, 2 officers in NM were killed feloniously, the 11th heaviest of 77 years on record. The heaviest was 1898, with 4.
In 2023, 61 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 123rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2023, 68 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 114th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 68. Of the 107 killed feloniously in NM whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48; the middle age was 37. James had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 68. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. James had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 68. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. James had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 11.4% of these deaths in NM; February holds the most, 14.6%. Mondays: 11.4%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 6 deaths at Alamogordo Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .22 caliber, in 25% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.7% of all 193 deaths in NM, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .22 caliber, in 0.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .22 caliber, in 0.1% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .22 caliber, in 0.1% of these deaths.
His people
Alamogordo Police Department has 6 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 60-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Alamogordo Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
