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Incident
Officer Patrick Devaney was shot when he and Special Agent Kersey Gowin, of the North Dakota Attorney General's Office, were attempting to arrest two or more thieves. The officers were laying in wait in a field for the automobile tire thieves when they were shot. Officer Devaney was killed instantly. Agent Gowin was taken to a nearby hospital where he succumbed to his wounds early the next morning. Five men were arrested, however, one confessed and was convicted. He served two years in prison before escaping and was considered at large. Officer Devaney had served with the Minot Police Department for only three months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and five children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Officer Devaney served with the Minot Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Minot community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Officer Devaney.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Minot Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Patrick is one of 39 officers killed feloniously in ND, 63.9% of the 61 remembered there.
Patrick is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Patrick 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 1918, 2 officers in ND were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1918, 165 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 19th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1918, 169 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 24th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Patrick was 47. Of the 37 killed feloniously in ND whose age is recorded, half were between 36 and 55; the middle age was 50. Patrick had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 3 years.
Patrick was 47. 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. Patrick had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Patrick was 47. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Patrick had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 12.8% of these deaths in ND; July holds the most, 17.9%. Fridays: 17.9%.
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 100% of all 2 deaths at Minot Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.9% of all 61 deaths in ND, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 30.8% 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 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
Minot Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Patrick among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 58-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Minot Police Department are honored on badge.nw.