Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I was browsing the Palmer, AK police website and saw your name as a fallen officer and then I looked you up on the ODMP website. I didn't know you, but the fact that you died in the line of duty told me I needed to write something. Those of us that wore the badge and those that wear it today know what it is like to be on the street. Television does not portray the way things really are, or how they really happen. You knew what it was like, you were on the front line and you engaged a bad guy. You paid the price of protecting the public and gave your life doing so. No one, other than cops and their families know and understand the sacrifice you made. May you rest in peace.

Lieutenant Ken Welty
Los Angeles Police Department (Retired)

October 10, 2024

Officer Rowland,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Navy. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Fair Winds And Following Seas

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

May 15, 2024

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

August 25, 2020

Rest in peace Officer Rowland.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 6, 2020

Dear Jim,
Has it been 21 years? Why does it seem like yesterday at times? I can still hear your chuckle. You are never far from my thoughts. It seems that the world has turned on the Tbin Blue Line and we keep losing more heroes like yourself. I think of your mom often now. My own son has but a few years until he could retire, if all goes well. Everything is in the Lord's hands. I miss you big guy. Miss your sweet soul.

Mother of LEO Ulla Stice

May 15, 2020

Officer Rowland,
On today, the 21st anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Palmer. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

May 15, 2020

Rest easy James your watch is clear. God bless you and your family.
Wanda and family, I still think of you all and hope that God had blessed you as well.

Mark Lapinskas
Former Palmer PD

May 12, 2020

Missing you and thinking of you today Jim.

SRO Detective
Palmer Police Department

January 25, 2020

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service to this country. Never forgotten.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA

May 15, 2019

Officer Rowland you have been in my heart and mind for so many years. I was blessed the day I met you. You were always there when we couldn't lift a patient. You were our Superman, our Hero of the hour. I could never get in the habit of calling you Officer Rowland, you become my friend instantly. I still have so much pain in my heart from that night because I couldn't do anything to change your outcome. You became a wonderful memory and I wish your family a wonderful Christmas. It wasn't fair to lose someone with so much goodness and God in his heart but your mom is right, God needed you, we are going to be friends forever and I will meet you again. NG-15 is 10-7.

Ulla R Stice, Chief, ret.
PA Dept. of Emergency Svs.

December 25, 2018

Nineteen years later, the tears yet flow at the memories on this day, May 15th. James Sr.'s birthday is the 14th. That's the last time we heard your voice. Years do not get easier because you're still gone. Only God gives us the strength to go on, and the hope God gives us that we shall meet again. Thanks to the Officers yet on the beat night and Day....Emergency workers who give aide and comfort to the injured and hurting, I was one, and that young man helped me get thru my pain by remembering our James with me. God, Please keep all wonderful service people Safe today.

Wanda Rowland
Fallen Officer's Mother

May 15, 2018

Dear Jim, ìt's been 17 years. I can say the pain of losing someone of your character and jovial zest for life has eased somewhat. But I still have that little video that plays over and over in my mind of that night. I am so glad that there is a website like this that keeps the memory of you and every other LEO who sacrificed their indispensable lives. I am so proud that I am able to call you a friend. You were an Officer that was willing to help each time a medic called for a bit of muscle or help in diffusing a potentially dangerous situation. You have so many friends that miss your laughter and ability to make a day brighter and easier to get through. Keep your watch over the department. The world is getting more dangerous for every LEO. People are more aggressive and the dislike of Officers on the road has only grown. Bless you my friend and bless your family.

Chief, Ret. Ulla Stice
MSB-DES Palmer Ambulance

May 27, 2016

"When a good man is hurt, all who would be called good must suffer with him.”

Euripides

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

December 29, 2015

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
God Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

May 15, 2015

Dear Jim, the holidays always bring memories of friends and family that are far away or no longer with us. You, my dear friend kind of fit in both categories. I miss your smile, your laughter and the way you carried yourself while on duty. You will always remain close to my heart. The way you kept an eye on my father during his long walks, but mostly because for some unknown reason, we lost both of you on the very same day. I still remember the ambulance tones sounding and then realizing I was responding to an "officer down ". My feet froze as I approached and saw that it was you. I have only had one wish, that was to take back that night and have your son be able to have the greatest dad around. I wish you peace and keep watching over us. You now have my son-in-law on the department, please keep a special eye out for him, he is an awesome daddy too, to two incredibly perfect grandkids of mine. Believe me when I tell you, you have not been forgotten, many, many of us here still see you. Prayers to your family.

Ret. Chief Ulla Stice
MSB-DES Palmer Ambulance

December 24, 2014

Jim you are truly missed. I remember the morning when my dad broke the news to us that Mr. Jim would not be with us anymore. It stung knowing that he would not be here. I carry the memories of sheet rocking his house, fishing on the lake in the back yard and eating Oreos after working on the unfinished home. It's hard to believe that 14yrs has passed by since your untimely passing. We love and miss you.

SrA Aaron Brehm
Family friend

May 15, 2013

jim its been a long time but i still think of you often and your family as well i got the call that morning from a coworker and was saddened to hear of your passing we all missed your morning visits at awesome auto ,you will alsways be remembered and loved,your friend clint

clint williams
friend

April 4, 2013

May God comfort your heart Mrs Rowland...I was one of the fortunate to retire from my department in 1997 after 20yrs of service..I have deep respect for those who gave their lives protecting their communities and for the loved ones left behind..You are right..The police family is second to none..

Ptlm Gary McCarty (Ret.)
Corning City Police NY

May 15, 2012

I am reminded of the larger "family" of which James was a member....The Policemen and women all over this country.
I, too, read about other fallen officers and cry afresh.
Being his mother, I feel for the other Moms and Dads who have to go on living without that part of their family.
My prayers go out to those others who bear that same emptiness. God bless you all.

Mrs. James A. Rowland, Sr. (Wanda)
Officer Rowland's Mother

May 29, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the tenth anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

May 15, 2009

Thank you for your willingness to serve your fellowman. May God continue to bless you, your wife, and your son. Rest in peace my brother.

State Constable J.L. Green
S.C. State Constables

May 30, 2008

Jim,
You are gone but not forgotten and are always in our thoughts and prayers.
We will never forget you and your sacrifice.
Dave

Sergeant David Jones
Alaska State Troopers

May 9, 2008

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

July 25, 2007

Still thinking of you brother. We miss you

Billiet

July 11, 2007

What a tragedy. The world has one less hero. The family, friends and coworkers are in our prayers tonight.

May 15, 2007