Denver Police Department, Colorado
End of Watch Sunday, October 3, 1971
Add to My HeroesMerle E. Nading
Patrolman Merle Nading was shot and killed while attempting to quell a disturbance at 2201 East Colfax Avenue.
An off-duty officer came to assist Patrolman Nading and took control of a prisoner. As Patrolman Nading walked around his cruiser to notify dispatch about a growing crowd, he was attacked by two men. He was able to get one of the men into a headlock, but the second man grabbed his gun and shot him in the back.
A suspect was arrested but acquitted of murder.
Officer Nading was survived by his two sons.
Bio
- Age 30
- Tour Not available
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Officer's handgun
- Offender Acquitted
Most Recent Reflection
View all 20 ReflectionsRest in peace brother. Nobody deserves what you went through
PC Thomas
Metropolitan Police, London
June 24, 2022
Recent LODD Deaths
Deputy Sheriff Tim Jordan
Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office, LA
EOW: January 21, 2026
Agent Aníbal Morales Aponte
Puerto Rico Police Department, PR
EOW: January 13, 2026
Zone Sergeant Steven W. Greene
New York State Police, NY
EOW: October 24, 2025
Sergeant Frederick W. Scheidt, Jr.
New York State Police, NY
EOW: August 13, 2025
Trooper Mark A. Ondus
New York State Police, NY
EOW: October 19, 2025
Police Officer Elijah Garretson
Copperas Cove Police Department, TX
EOW: January 11, 2026
Master Police Officer Donald Richard Gotthardt, Jr.
Fairfax County Police Department, VA
EOW: October 16, 2025
Police Officer Terry L. Bennett
Metropolitan Police Department, DC
EOW: January 7, 2026
Police Officer Stephen LaPorta
Uxbridge Police Department, MA
EOW: January 7, 2026


