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Incident
Policeman Fred Alderman was shot and killed as he attempted to track a man who had used stolen property to pay a fine.
The man had been arrested for public drunkenness the previous night and was required to pay $8.50 before he could be released from jail. The man claimed that he could not afford the payment and asked Policeman Alderman if he could use his watch and various other personal goods to settle the debt. Policeman Alderman agreed and paid the remainder of the suspect's fine out of his own pocket.
After the suspect was released it was discovered that the property he had put towards his fine was stolen. Policeman Alderman and his partner spent the day canvassing the city for tips about the subject's whereabouts. They were given information that the man lived on the outskirts of town and they proceeded to the house at nightfall.
Fargo police officers were not equipped with night lanterns at the time and, in the darkness, Policeman Alderman mistook a neighboring home for the suspect's residence. Policeman Alderman knocked on the door of the home and asked to be admitted. When he received no response, he attempted to force the door open. As he did so, the occupant of the home opened fire on him, striking him in the chest and killing him instantly.
The woman told police that she had mistaken Policeman Alderman for a tramp who was attempting to break into her house. She was initially charged with Policeman Alderman's murder, but a jury ruled the incident justifiable homicide because Policeman Alderman did not identify himself to the woman.
Policeman Alderman had served with Fargo Police Department for only two months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and brother.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
144 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Policeman Alderman served with the Fargo Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Fargo community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Fargo Police Department has lost 3 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Frederick is one of 39 officers killed feloniously in ND, 63.9% of the 61 remembered there.
Frederick is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Frederick 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 1882, 1 officer in ND was killed feloniously, the 8th heaviest of 32 years on record. The heaviest was 1917, with 2.
In 1882, 45 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 143rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1882, 51 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 142nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Frederick was 25. Of the 37 killed feloniously in ND whose age is recorded, half were between 36 and 55; the middle age was 50. Frederick had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 3 years.
Frederick was 25. 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. Frederick had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Frederick was 25. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Frederick had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 17.9% of these deaths in ND, more than any other month. Wednesdays: 23.1%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at Fargo Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun; revolver, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.9% of all 61 deaths in ND, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; revolver, in 2.6% 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 handgun; revolver, in 0.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; revolver, in 0.8% of these deaths.
His people
Fargo Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, Frederick among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 5-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Fargo Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
