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Incident
Police Officer Alvin Nelson was shot and killed as he and another officer attempted to arrest a man for breaking into a car at the Delaware Hotel at the corner of Harrison Street and 7th Street. As the two officers entered his hotel room, the man opened fire and fatally wounded Officer Nelson. Officer Nelson's partner returned fire and killed the suspect. Officer Nelson had served with the Leadville Police Department for over three years. He had just resigned as the police night cheif and was going back to a patrol officer, working during the day.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and daughter.
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.
Police Officer Nelson gave the Leadville Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Leadville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Nelson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Leadville Police Department has lost 7 officers; 5 of them killed feloniously.
Alvin is one of 236 officers killed feloniously in CO, 65.4% of the 361 remembered there.
Alvin is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Alvin is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1949, 1 officer at Leadville Police Department was killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 4 years on record. The heaviest was 1880, with 2.
In 1949, 2 officers in CO were killed feloniously, the 33rd heaviest of 113 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 9.
In 1949, 65 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 113th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1949, 65 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 122nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Alvin was 45. Of the 5 killed feloniously at Leadville Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 38; the middle age was 34. Alvin had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 2.2 years.
Alvin was 45. Of the 184 killed feloniously in CO whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 47; the middle age was 39. Alvin had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Alvin was 45. 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. Alvin had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Alvin was 45. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Alvin had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 40% of these deaths at Leadville Police Department, more than any other month. Fridays: 20%.
April holds 11% of these deaths in CO; October holds the most, 11.9%. Fridays: 13.1%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 71.4% of all 7 deaths at Leadville Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 60% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 65.4% of all 361 deaths in CO, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 25% 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 gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Leadville Police Department has 7 officers remembered here, Alvin among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 51-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
6 officers from Leadville Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
