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Incident
Patrolman Fred Beard was struck by a tractor-trailer and killed during the pursuit of a robbery suspect. At 9:30 p.m., Patrolman Beard responded to a robbery call at 731 E. Dixie in West Carrolltown. When he arrived at the location, three men fled in a vehicle, and Patrolman Beard initiated a pursuit. The suspect vehicle struck a retaining wall on I-75 near the onramp at Springboro Road in Moraine. Patrolman Beard stopped behind the wrecked car as the suspects started fleeing the vehicle. One of the suspects began firing at Patrolman Beard, and he returned fire. As he was approaching the suspects, he was struck by a semi. The suspect Patrolman Beard was chasing was apprehended. He pleaded guilty to five felonies from the incident, including involuntary manslaughter, and then skipped his sentencing hearing, accumulating in a week-long manhunt. He was sentenced to 81 years in prison in connection with the incident. Patrolman Beard had served with the West Carrollton Police Department for seven years. He was survived by his wife, son, two daughters, and parents. In March 2018, the city renamed Slonaker Avenue, passing the police department to Officer Fred Beard Way.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, son, two daughters, and parents.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Beard served with the West Carrollton Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Dayton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Beard.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Frederick is the only officer of West Carrollton Police Department remembered here.
Frederick is one of 319 officers lost to accidents in OH, 32.1% of the 993 remembered there.
Frederick is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Frederick is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.8% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1983, 5 officers in OH were lost to accidents, the 11th heaviest of 125 years on record. The heaviest was 1925, with 8.
In 1983, 74 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 36th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1983, 92 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 34th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Frederick was 35. Of the 310 lost to accidents in OH whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 37.
Frederick was 35. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36.
Frederick was 35. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36.
When
February holds 6.3% of these deaths in OH; July holds the most, 12.2%. Wednesdays: 11.3%.
February holds 7.2% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
February holds 7.2% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at West Carrollton Police Department. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 100% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 32.1% of all 993 deaths in OH, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 6% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 6.9% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 29.8% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 5.6% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 33-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from West Carrollton Police Department are honored on badge.nw.