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Incident
Police Officer Michael Nickerson and Deputy Sheriff Jason Schwenz, of the Queen Anne County Sheriff's Office, were shot and killed after responding to a noise complaint in the 300 block of Hammond Street.
The two officers and a state trooper had responded to the complaint and had been given permission to enter the mobile home by the suspect's mother, who lived across the street. The officers were in a screened-in porch and had identified themselves when the man told them not to come in or they would get hurt. When the officers opened the door, the man opened fire with a shotgun, striking Deputy Schwenz and Officer Nickerson.
The state trooper dragged Officer Nickerson off of the porch and was attempting to revive him when the man attacked him. The trooper was able to overpower the man and place him under arrest.
The man was found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder on May 24th, 2002, and was sentenced to death. He was also sentenced to life without parole for the attempted murder of the state trooper. He died in prison on November 17th, 2002.
Officer Nickerson had served with the Centreville Police Department for one month and had previously served with the Kent County Sheriff's Office for two years.
Survivors
He is survived by his parents and two brothers.
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 Nickerson gave the Centreville Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Centreville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Nickerson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Michael is the only officer of Centreville Police Department remembered here.
Michael is one of 195 officers killed feloniously in MD, 51.6% of the 378 remembered there.
Michael is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Michael 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 2001, 4 officers in MD were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 104 years on record. The heaviest was 2000, with 6.
In 2001, 158 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 23rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2001, 160 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 27th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Michael was 24. Of the 178 killed feloniously in MD whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 43.8; the middle age was 35. Michael had served 2.1 years; the middle length of service was 8 years.
Michael was 24. 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. Michael had served 2.1 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Michael was 24. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Michael had served 2.1 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 10.3% of these deaths in MD; June holds the most, 11.8%. Tuesdays: 15.4%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Centreville Police Department.
Felonious deaths account for 51.6% of all 378 deaths in MD, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 33-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Centreville Police Department are honored on badge.nw.