RCPD Fallen Heroes

The Rapid City Police Department includes over 100 law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line for the safety and protection of the citizens of Rapid City.
 
“These officers are heroes.…They go to work to serve the citizens of the city, day after day, after day."
 -Steve Allender, Rapid City Chief of Police
 
This web page is intended to serve as a permanent reminder of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the citizens of Rapid City.
 
Officer Nick Armstrong

Nick ArmstrongRapid City Police Officer Nick Armstrong died on August 6, 2011.

Officer Armstrong was a two-year veteran of the Rapid City Police Department.  He served two years as an officer at the Spearfish Police Department before joining the RCPD in 2009.  He joined the Street Crimes Unit in April of 2011.

On the afternoon of August 2, Rapid City police stopped four subjects for a routine stop.  One of the subjects pulled out a concealed pistol and began firing, killing Officer Ryan McCandless and Officer Nick Armstrong.

Officer Nick Armstrong's obituary

Officer James Ryan McCandless

RyanMcCandlessRapid City Police Officer James Ryan McCandless died on August 2, 2011.

Officer McCandless was a six-year veteran of the Rapid City Police Department.  He served as a patrol officer and member of the Special Response Team.

On the afternoon of August 2, Rapid City police stopped four subjects for a routine stop.  One of the subjects pulled out a concealed pistol and began firing, killing Officer Ryan McCandless and Officer Nick Armstrong.

Officer Ryan McCandless' obituary

Officer Robert Lundeman

Robbie LudemanRapid City Police Officer Robert Ludeman died August 2001 (while off duty).

Officer Ludeman was a rookie officer with the Rapid City Police Department when he was shot and killed by a neighbor while off duty.

 

Officer Leslie P. Hollers

Leslie HollersRapid City Police Officer Leslie P. Hollers died September 16, 1985.

Officer Hollers was a one-year veteran of the Rapid City Police Department.

Patrolman Leslie P. Hollers, who was killed September 16, 1985, when he was struck by a vehicle driven by an intoxicated driver.

Officer Daniel E. Wickard

Daniel WickardRapid City Police Officer Daniel E. Wickard died June 9, 1972.

Patrolman Wickard drowned June 9, 1972 when his patrol car was washed away while he tried to warn people of an impending severe flood.  237 other people were killed as a result of the flood.

 

Officer Elmer B. Simons

Elmer SimonsRapid City Police Officer Elmer B. Simons died April 2, 1955.

Patrolman Simons died of a cardiac arrest after being involved in hand-to-hand fisticuffs in a local tavern in Rapid City.

 

Town Marshal John "Hooky Jack" O'Leary

Hooky JackRapid City Town Marshal John "Hooky Jack" O'Leary died November 6, 1926.

Town Marshal Hooky Jack was patrolling in downtown Rapid City on November 6, 1926, when he was struck by a vehicle outside the fire station. He died three days later. Hooky Jack was the town’s night watchman for 41 years, and was well-known for a mining accident that left him deaf, missing an eye, and missing both hands, which were replaced with hooks.

Officer James Hawkes

Rapid City Police Officer James Hawkes died on December 28, 1916.

Officer Hawkes was a 3 1/2 year veteran of the Rapid City Police Department.

In the early morning hours December 28, 1916, patrolman James Hawkes responded to a disturbance call from the Garlick Hotel in Rapid City.  The Garlick Hotel was located on the NE corner of 5th St. and St. Joseph St. (where the Stockgrowers building is now located).  Hawkes responded to the call and was shot as he entered the hotel.

pdf Click here to see a photo of the Garlick Hotel. (785 KB)
pdf Click here to see a map of the Garlick Hotel area. (112 KB)
Click here to read the Rapid City Journal article about this incident.

Town Marshal Billy Wilson

Rapid City Town Marshal Billy Wilson died November 6, 1885.

On November 6, 1885, Town Marshal Wilson attempted to disarm three cowboys carrying guns inside the Horse Market Saloon. The cowboys opened fire, killing Wilson and injuring one of the cowboys.

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