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Incident
Deputy Game Protector Charles Beecham was shot and killed as he and several other game protectors attempted to arrest a man near Scranton for hunting on a Sunday.
The 22-year-old suspect was identified but never apprehended. His 17-year-old brother, who was with him, was tried for assault by pointing a gun at the officers. He was found guilty and released after paying the cost of court.
Deputy Game Protector Beecham was survived by his wife and three children.
Survivors
Deputy Game Protector Beecham was survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Game Protector Beecham served with the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
Thank you for your service to the Harrisburg community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Game Protector Beecham.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Pennsylvania Game Commission has lost 12 officers; 5 of them killed feloniously.
Charles is one of 598 officers killed feloniously in PA, 47.4% of the 1,262 remembered there.
Charles is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Charles is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1906, 2 officers at Pennsylvania Game Commission were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1906, 9 officers in PA were killed feloniously, the 11th heaviest of 152 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 16.
In 1906, 89 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 69th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1906, 90 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 75th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Charles was 25. Of the 3 killed feloniously at Pennsylvania Game Commission whose age is recorded, half were between 23 and 28; the middle age was 25.
Charles was 25. Of the 585 killed feloniously in PA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37.
Charles was 25. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
Charles was 25. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
November holds 60% of these deaths at Pennsylvania Game Commission, more than any other month. Sundays: 60%.
November holds 9.4% of these deaths in PA; September holds the most, 10.5%. Sundays: 12.9%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 41.7% of all 12 deaths at Pennsylvania Game Commission, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; revolver, in 20% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 47.4% of all 1,262 deaths in PA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; revolver, in 3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; revolver, in 0.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; revolver, in 0.8% of these deaths.
His people
Pennsylvania Game Commission has 12 officers remembered here, Charles among them.
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L. Seeley Houk
Mar 2, 1906
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Charles Beecham Nov 4, 1906
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Joseph McHugh
Nov 7, 1915
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Joseph H. Kalbfus
Aug 10, 1919
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Elias W. Kelly
Aug 10, 1919
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Darrell S. Solida Dec 6, 1931
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Walter M. Middleton Dec 1, 1935
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John B. Ross Jul 18, 1942
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Robert Earl Zimmerman
May 13, 1957
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Leroy Brown Stackhouse Sep 28, 1969
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Woodrow E. Portzline
Oct 24, 1973
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David Lynn Grove
Nov 11, 2010
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 29-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
11 officers from Pennsylvania Game Commission are honored on badge.nw.
