Palmer Police Department, Alaska
End of Watch Saturday, May 15, 1999
Add to My HeroesJames Arland Rowland, Jr.
Police Officer James Rowland was shot and killed while checking on a person who was slumped over the wheel of a pickup truck at the Carrs Quality Center parking lot at 535 Evergreen Avenue in Palmer.
During the check at 1:30 a.m., a struggle ensued, and shots were fired. Officer Rowland was struck and fatally wounded but was able to return fire and wound the suspect. A paramedic who was riding along with Officer Rowland witnessed the shooting and called for assistance. Officer Rowland was the only officer on duty at the time of the incident.
The suspect was sentenced to the maximum sentence of 99 years.
Officer Rowland was a United States Navy veteran and had served with the Palmer Police Department for three years. He is survived by his wife and 5-year-old son.
Bio
- Age 30
- Tour 9 years
- Badge 9G-15
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun
- Offender Sentenced to 99 years
Most Recent Reflection
View all 47 ReflectionsHey you! Sorry I'm a little bit tardy. I went to the doctor the day before and got home with an awesome game plan. Was feeling super excited. I guess my germ of a shepherd caught on and decided to join the excitement. He bashed into me as I was trying to open the sliding screen door. I face planted and then we tangled up and fell backwards down the stairs. He broke lose and ran for the tree line. Me, I couldn't move! LOL Boy was he lucky. Took out my whole right side. Lucky it wasn't the bad side! Miss this silly idle chatter with you still. At least you laughed at my life with me. I can still picture you clearly. Both on the times we ran into each other on our shifts and that morning, that life changing morning. I miss you my friend, love your beautiful soul forever. Best cop Palmer ever had.
Ulla R Stice
EMT III. CHIEF, RET.
May 20, 2025
Recent LODD Deaths
Corporal Timothy J. O'Connor, Jr.
Pennsylvania State Police, PA
EOW: March 8, 2026
Deputy Sheriff Kaleb Mitchell
Forsyth County Sheriff's Office, NC
EOW: March 7, 2026
Master Trooper Steven J. Perry
North Carolina Highway Patrol, NC
EOW: March 1, 2026
Conservation Enforcement Officer Senior Shawn Nixon
Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources - Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, AL
EOW: November 23, 2025
Corporal David M. Hathcock
Montgomery Police Department, AL
EOW: February 22, 2026
Correctional Officer Dustin Pedigo
Tennessee Department of Correction, TN
EOW: February 25, 2026
Deputy Sheriff Michael Hislope
Christian County Sheriff's Office, MO
EOW: February 24, 2026
Deputy Sheriff Gabriel Ramirez
Christian County Sheriff's Office, MO
EOW: February 23, 2026
Deputy Sheriff Kenneth Lewis
Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: February 23, 2026

