Prev
Incident
Patrolman Hugh Nichols was shot and killed by a burglar at a local Ford dealership at the intersection of 11th Avenue and 3rd Street South at approximately 3:00 am. It is believed that he discovered the back door of the building open and then proceeded to the front of the building. With his gun drawn, and his flashlight on, he began looking through the front windows when he was shot once in the head by a .32 caliber round. The suspect(s) fled and were never apprehended. Patrolman Nichols' body was found by a milkman at 6:00 am the following morning. Patrolman Nichols had served with the Nampa Police Department for only four months. He had previously served as a detective for the Union Pacific Railroad Police.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and four children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtn6tg1jgk0dqex05k6ky- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Hugh. 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 Nichols served with the Nampa Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Nampa community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Nichols.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Hugh is the only officer of Nampa Police Department remembered here.
Hugh is one of 45 officers killed feloniously in ID, 62.5% of the 72 remembered there.
Hugh is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Hugh 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 1931, 1 officer in ID was killed feloniously, the 10th heaviest of 33 years on record. The heaviest was 1904, with 3.
In 1931, 221 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1931, 222 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Hugh was 45. Of the 40 killed feloniously in ID whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 48.3; the middle age was 37. Hugh had served 0.3 years; the middle length of service was 3 years.
Hugh 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. Hugh had served 0.3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Hugh was 45. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Hugh had served 0.3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 8.9% of these deaths in ID; January holds the most, 26.7%. Mondays: 33.3%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Nampa Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 62.5% of all 72 deaths in ID, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 31.1% 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, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 44-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Nampa Police Department are honored on badge.nw.