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Incident
Officer Robert Nielsen was killed in an automobile accident while responding to another accident call at 1:51 pm
As he proceeded through the intersection at Chandler Boulevard and Pennington Drive, the driver of another vehicle failed to yield the right of way and made a left turn into his path, hitting his 1999 Crown Victoria patrol car, causing it to strike a utility pole. Upon impact, the patrol car burst into flames and Officer Nielsen was trapped inside.
Passersby attempted to pull him from the vehicle but were unable to because of the fire.
Officer Nielsen had served with the Chandler Police Department for two years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, parents, brother, and sister.
In Our Keeping
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- 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.
Officer Nielsen gave the Chandler Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Chandler community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Officer Nielsen.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Chandler Police Department has lost 7 officers; 1 of them lost to accidents.
Robert is one of 95 officers lost to accidents in AZ, 28.8% of the 330 remembered there.
Robert is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Robert is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.8% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2002, 3 officers in AZ were lost to accidents, the 5th heaviest of 56 years on record. The heaviest was 1973, with 5.
In 2002, 73 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 38th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 2002, 93 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 31st heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Robert was 25. Of the 92 lost to accidents in AZ whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 43; the middle age was 34.5. Robert had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Robert was 25. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. Robert had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Robert was 25. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Robert had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
June holds 10.5% of these deaths in AZ; November holds the most, 14.7%. Wednesdays: 11.6%.
June holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
June holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
How
Accident deaths account for 14.3% of all 7 deaths at Chandler Police Department, the 3rd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 28.8% of all 330 deaths in AZ, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.8% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Chandler Police Department has 7 officers remembered here, Robert among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 24-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
6 officers from Chandler Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
