Watford City honors fallen officer with highway dedication

30 years after Keith Braddock's line-of-duty death, the community dedicates Braddock Memorial Drive in his memory

Mar. 21, 2026 at 3:40am

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30 years after Watford City police officer Keith Braddock was killed in the line of duty, the community has dedicated a section of North Dakota Highway 200 as the Braddock Memorial Drive in his honor. Braddock was shot and killed responding to a disturbance at a local bar in 1996, and the community is now coming together to celebrate his legacy and ensure his story continues to be told.

Why it matters

The dedication of Braddock Memorial Drive serves as a lasting tribute to the officer who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect his community. It also highlights the importance of honoring fallen officers and ensuring their legacies live on, even decades after their deaths.

The details

On March 20, 1996, Officer Keith Braddock was responding to a disturbance at a Watford City bar when he was shot and killed. The suspect, Robert Mead, left the bar, returned with rifles, shot Braddock, and then took two hostages before surrendering and receiving a life sentence. Braddock's death rocked the small community, and now, 30 years later, they are dedicating a section of Highway 200 as Braddock Memorial Drive, with his badge number 1114 being a significant part of the memorial.

  • On March 20, 1996, Officer Keith Braddock was killed in the line of duty.
  • The dedication of Braddock Memorial Drive took place in 2026, 30 years after Braddock's death.

The players

Keith Braddock

A Watford City police officer who was killed in the line of duty in 1996 while responding to a disturbance at a local bar.

Robert Mead

The suspect who shot and killed Officer Braddock, then took two hostages before surrendering and receiving a life sentence.

Phil Riely

The mayor of Watford City at the time of the dedication ceremony for Braddock Memorial Drive.

Jesse Wellen

The Watford City Chief of Police who spoke at the dedication ceremony, highlighting Braddock's legacy and the importance of remembering fallen officers.

Harry Braddock

The son of Officer Keith Braddock, who attended the dedication ceremony and shared a message for other law enforcement officers.

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What they’re saying

“This is going to be a long-lasting remembrance that we have here in wonderful Watford City.”

— Phil Riely, Mayor of Watford City

“Officer Braddock had entered the establishment to protect the citizens of Watford City and never made it back out.”

— Jesse Wellen, Watford City Chief of Police

“I've got four kids. Two of them are married, got two daughter-in-laws, three grandkids — one on the way — that will never meet their grandpa. So in law enforcement, take care of yourselves.”

— Harry Braddock

What’s next

The dedication of Braddock Memorial Drive serves as a permanent tribute to the fallen officer, ensuring his legacy and sacrifice will be remembered for generations to come.

The takeaway

The dedication of Braddock Memorial Drive highlights the importance of honoring fallen officers and the lasting impact they have on their communities, even decades after their deaths. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by law enforcement to protect and serve their communities.