Prev
Incident
Chief Mecomber and Patrolman George Rodgers were shot and killed while attempting to arrest two men for gambling in a pool hall on East Front Street. When the officers told the men they were under arrest the suspects pulled out revolvers and opened fire, killing both officers. The owner of the pool hall shot and killed one of the suspects. The other suspect escaped.
Survivors
Chief Mecomber was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpkx56c7jpwvrn7pd26y- 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 Sheldon. 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.
Chief of Police Mecomber served with the North Platte Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the North Platte community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Mecomber.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
North Platte Police Department has lost 7 officers; 5 of them killed feloniously.
Sheldon is one of 97 officers killed feloniously in NE, 64.2% of the 151 remembered there.
Sheldon is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Sheldon is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1920, 2 officers at North Platte Police Department were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1920, 2 officers in NE were killed feloniously, the 6th heaviest of 68 years on record. The heaviest was 1977, with 6.
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
Sheldon was 63. Of the 4 killed feloniously at North Platte Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 36.3 and 48; the middle age was 41.5.
Sheldon was 63. Of the 92 killed feloniously in NE whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 51; the middle age was 41.
Sheldon was 63. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
Sheldon was 63. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
January holds 40% of these deaths at North Platte Police Department, more than any other month. Thursdays: 40%.
January holds 9.3% of these deaths in NE; August holds the most, 14.4%. Thursdays: 15.5%.
January holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
January holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 71.4% of all 7 deaths at North Platte Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 40% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 64.2% of all 151 deaths in NE, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 26.8% 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 handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
North Platte Police Department has 7 officers remembered here, Sheldon 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
6 officers from North Platte Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
