Police Officer James Arland Rowland, Jr.

Police Officer James Arland Rowland, Jr. | Palmer Police Department, Alaska
Palmer Police Department, Alaska
Police Officer James Arland Rowland, Jr.

Palmer Police Department, Alaska

End of Watch Saturday, May 15, 1999

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James 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

suspicious vehicle, welfare check

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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

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