Fallen Officers
On average, over 150 law-enforcement officers are killed in the line of duty in the United States every year. RCLEOA graciously acknowledges the men and women who have died in the service of our community.
The following officers have given their lives to protect the citizens of Rockingham County.
Staff Sergeant Jesse Sherrill was struck and killed in 2021 while working a detail on interstate 95 North of exit 3. A tractor trailer veered off the roadway where it struck the cruiser which was occupied by Sergeant Sherrill Sergeant Sherrill was transported to Portsmouth Regional hospital where he was pronounced dead. Sergeant Sherrill had served with the New Hampshire State Police for 19 years and was the assistant commander of Troop A. He had previously served with the Hooksett Police Department for one year.
Officer Albert L. Colson
Exeter Police Department
EOW: Thursday, July 3, 1924
Cause: Gunfire
Officer Albert Colson of the Exeter Police Department was shot and killed in 1924 when he attempted to disarm a man sitting on his porch with a shotgun. Earlier the man had advised police he was greatly annoyed with the boys in the neighborhood and would protect himself against any intruders. Officer Colson responded to the residence and after a few words tried to take the gun away but the man pulled out a revolver and shot him in the abdomen, killing him instantly. A second person that had come to the aid of Officer Colson was shot and died a few hours later at the hospital.
Corrections Officer Charles Robert Prescott was on duty at the Rockingham County Jail in 1971 when a prisoner, using a makeshift knife, stabbed him to death. He died from his injuries before he reached Exeter Hospital.
Chief of Police Charles S. Knowles
Seabrook Police Department
EOW: Sunday, August 12, 1973
Cause: Heart attack
Seabrook Chief of Police, Charles Knowles, suffered a fatal heart attack in 1973 when he was kicked in the chest during a struggle. He had responded to the scene of a domestic disturbance and became engaged in a struggle with both the male and female who had both been drinking. During the struggle the female suspect kicked him in the chest, triggering a heart attack. Chief Knowles was pronounced dead at the scene.
Sergeant Thomas Christopher Kelly
Derry Police Department
EOW: Sunday, September 17, 1989
Cause: Exposure to toxins
SGT Thomas Christopher Kelly died in 1989 as a result of respiratory failure from prolonged exposure to lead and toxic gases in the department’s shooting range and had been with the Derry Police Department for ten (10) years.
Officer Melvin Alan Keddy
East Kingston Police Department
EOW: Thursday, September 7, 1995
Cause: Vehicular assault
Officer Mel Keddy was struck and killed in 1995 by a drunk driver vehicle while investigating a one-car accident. He was flown to Mass General Hospital where he was pronounced dead. The suspect was charged in connection with Officer Keddy’s death and accepted a plea bargain following a hung jury. Officer Keddy had served as a part time officer with the East Kingston Police Department for eight (8) years and on September 7, 2005 a portion of Route 125 was dedicated as the Officer Melvin A. Keddy Memorial Highway.
Lieutenant Donald Eaton
Auburn Police Department
EOW: Friday, June 13, 1997
Cause: Heart attack
Police Lt. Donald Eaton suffered a fatal heart attack while reviewing court files at the station in 1997.
Chief Michael Maloney
Greenland Police Department
EOW: Thursday, April 12, 2012
Cause: Gunfire
Greenland Chief of Police, Mike Maloney was shot and killed in 2012 while serving a drug related search warrant with members of the Greenland Police Department and the Attorney General’s Drug Task Force. Chief Maloney was a US Army veteran and had served in law enforcement for 26 years.
Patrolman Stephen Arkell
Brentwood Police Department
EOW: Monday, May 12, 2014
Cause: Gunfire
Brentwood Officer Stephen Arkell was shot and killed in 2014 when he responded to a domestic disturbance call at a residence where a father and son were fighting. Officer Arkell was fatally shot after he entered the residence. The mentally deranged son then set fire to the home and died in the propane explosion. Officer Arkell served as a part time officer with the Brentwood Police Department for eighteen (18) years.
"In valor, there is hope."
-Tacitus
