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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
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- 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
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Arvada Police Department has lost 4 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Gordon is one of 236 officers killed feloniously in CO, 65.4% of the 361 remembered there.
Gordon is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Gordon 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 2021, 2 officers in CO were killed feloniously, the 33rd heaviest of 113 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 9.
In 2021, 90 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 66th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2021, 92 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 69th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Gordon was 51. Of the 184 killed feloniously in CO whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 47; the middle age was 39. Gordon had served 19 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Gordon was 51. 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. Gordon had served 19 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Gordon was 51. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Gordon had served 19 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
June holds 6.4% of these deaths in CO; October holds the most, 11.9%. Mondays: 14.4%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 4 deaths at Arvada Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun; 12 gauge, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 65.4% of all 361 deaths in CO, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun; 12 gauge, in 0.4% 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 shotgun; 12 gauge, in 0.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun; 12 gauge, in 0.2% of these deaths.
His people
Arvada Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, Gordon among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 56-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Arvada Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
