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Incident
Officer Nicholas Koleski was shot and killed after being abducted while investigating illegal moonshining.
His body was found in a creek blindfolded with five bullets in his head. The four suspects were later apprehended and brought to trial. During their trial the judge ordered the charges dismissed stating the prosecution had only circumstantial evidence.
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.
Officer Koleski served with the Aberdeen Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Aberdeen community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Officer Koleski.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Aberdeen Police Department has lost 4 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Nicholas is one of 187 officers killed feloniously in WA, 55% of the 340 remembered there.
Nicholas is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Nicholas 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 1920, 6 officers in WA were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 96 years on record. The heaviest was 1935, with 8.
In 1920, 209 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1920, 396 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Nicholas was 22. Of the 159 killed feloniously in WA whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 46; the middle age was 41.
Nicholas was 22. 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.
Nicholas was 22. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
September holds 9.6% of these deaths in WA; November holds the most, 11.8%. Tuesdays: 10.2%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 75% of all 4 deaths at Aberdeen Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 55% of all 340 deaths in WA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 24.6% 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
Aberdeen Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, Nicholas among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 16-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Aberdeen Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
