"Heroes Live Forever"- the story of Denver Patrolman James E. Wier

He died protecting his community. His family continued his life of service. His wife was inspired by these words: "When it rains, look for rainbows. When it's dark, look for stars."

Patrolman James E. Wier

McLean, VA (April 29, 2026) - On the night of June 3, 1987, Denver Patrolman James E. Wier, responded to a disturbance call. He and his partner were met with an ambush attack. Their assailant was a man who had long hated police. He even posted signs on his porch expressing his anger. The gunman began shooting at the two officers and when Patrolman Wier stood to return fire he was hit in the face at close range by a fatal shotgun blast. Two other officers were seriously wounded but survived. Patrolman Wier, 25, was a rookie officer and had served with the Denver Police Department for less than six months when he made the supreme sacrifice for his community. He was also a husband and the father of two young sons, Dirk and Dustin. His mother was inspired to become a victims’ advocate after Jim’s death. When his son, Dustin, became a Fort Collins, Colorado, police officer, he reflected on his father, saying, “I know he’s watching over me and I try to make him proud through every step of the process.” And Jim’s wife, Shawn, showed tremendous resilience and strength raising her two sons and becoming heavily involved with the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund to ensure that her husband and his fallen colleagues would never be forgotten. A statement posted on her Facebook page speaks to where she finds her strength: “When it rains, look for rainbows. When it’s dark, look for stars.”

Listen to the podcast to learn the rest of the story: https://behindbadge.substack.com/p/heroes-live-forever-the-story-of-81c