Van Pelt, who was 41, is survived by his three children, former wife, parents and other family members.

Van Pelt’s commanding officer, Major Gregory Goodman, took the podium to honor Van Pelt’s military career, which started with the United States Air Force on Aug. 30, 2001 – just 11 days before the 9/11 terrorist attack.

“Just reflect on that for a moment. He enlisted in a time of peace that was immediately faced with a time of war. But he didn’t just complete his initial enlistment – all right – and call it a day. No, Nick kept reenlisting, knowing he could, and ultimately would, be sent overseas and be asked to risk his life,” Goodman said.

Van Pelt graduated from Security Forces Tech School in 2002. His first assignment was at Minot Air Force Base, which Goodman joked was a 100-degree temperature difference from Van Pelt’s hometown of Ringgold, Georgia.

Master Sgt. Nicholas Van Pelt’s commanding officer, Maj. Gregory Goodman, speaking, and close friend Master Sgt. Todd Ouradnik, left, share memories of their fallen friend during the service.

Van Pelt’s overseas deployments included bases in South Korea, the United Arab Emirates and Kyrgyzstan. He had served as a master sergeant in the 219th Security Forces Squadron in the North Dakota Air National Guard since 2009.

In 2018, Van Pelt graduated from the North Dakota Police Academy and was hired by the Ward County Sheriff’s Department as a patrol deputy, working as a part of the drug task force until May 2023, when he switched gears to work full-time for the N.D. Air National Guard.

Van Pelt’s good friend, Master Sgt. Todd Ouradnik, gave the eulogy and emotionally read remarks on behalf of Van Pelt’s children.

“Our dad was our best friend and his goofy personality could be counted on to put a smile on our faces, even when we were in a bad mood. … We know he will be there every holiday, every wedding, every graduation, everything – he will be there with us. We aren’t sure how we will get through this and we know that the days, weeks, months and the rest of our lives will be hard. But, we are thankful for everyone that has helped our family during this time. Dad, our law enforcement and our family have, and will continue to have, our backs. We have it from here,” Ouradnik read on behalf of one of Van Pelt’s daughters, Kaedance McLeod Van Pelt.

Ouradnik also read brief remarks on behalf of Van Pelt’s two other children, Ameri and Andrew Van Pelt.

The Burlington Rural Fire Department displayed a massive flag off the ladder of a fire engine in front of Our Redeemer’s Christian School.

Ouradnik tearfully reminisced on memories he shared with Van Pelt and their families and focused on the playful, mischievous and strong brotherhood they shared.

“If we just, once a day, look at the next person the way Nick did, we won’t forget him and the world we live in will be just a little brighter,” he said.

An end of watch call was conducted by the Ward County Sheriff’s Office over the police radio, “Ward County 4748 status check. Ward County 4748 status check. 4748 is 10-7, 10-42. Nicholas Van Pelt may be gone, but he’ll never be forgotten. Our memories of you as a coworker and as a friend we will always carry with us. We love you and we thank you for your service. May you rest in peace. We have the watch from here. End of service December 24, 2023.” Police code 10-7 means out of service and 10-42 means ending tour of duty.

The last guard mount was conducted by the 219th Security Forces Squadron of the North Dakota Air National Guard. Lt. Dale Clemens played “Amazing Grace” on bagpipes and Van Pelt received full military honors accorded by members of the Minot Air Force Base Honor Guard.

Five folded flags were presented to members of Van Pelt’s family at the conclusion of the service.