Roll of Honor
Incident
Police Officer Gordon Beesley was shot and killed at about 1:30 pm after having responded to a suspicious event call near the Arvada Library in the 7500 block of W 57th Avenue.
While Officer Beesley was checking the area a subject who had expressed a hatred for police arrived and saw him. The subject retrieved a 12-gauge shotgun from his vehicle, approached Officer Beesley from behind, and opened fire, killing Officer Beesley.
A Good Samaritan, Mr. Johnny Hurley, heard the shots, rushed to the area, and fatally shot the subject prior to the arrival of backup officers. Mr. Hurley picked up the subject's rifle to secure it but was mistaken for the original shooter and was fatally shot by responding officers.
Officer Beesley had served with the Arvada Police Department for 19 years. He was the SRO at Oberon Middle School but was assigned to patrol during the summer break.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-CO-99FE1763- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- September 9, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Beesley gave the Arvada Police Department 19 years.
Thank you for your service to the Arvada community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Beesley.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer Gordon David Beesley is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 officers honored here.
In CO, 235 of 360 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 65.3% of this state's fallen. That is 65.3 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Arvada Police Department, 2 of 4 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 50% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Gordon David Beesley's cause is highlighted.
How Gordon David Beesley Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Gordon David Beesley is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Gordon David Beesley was killed by shotgun; 12 gauge.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Arvada Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
