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Incident
Deputy Potter died from injuries received when he was struck while investigating a traffic accident seven days earlier. On November 30th, Deputy Potter was directing traffic around an accident on the icy bridge over the Beaver River. A driver approaching the accident site had not noticed the accident and when he tried to stop, his vehicle began sliding on the icy bridge and struck Deputy Potter, pinning him against the bridge abutment. The officer was taken to the hospital with a broken right leg. Deputy Potter died of complications from his injuries on Tuesday, December 7th, 1971.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, four children and eighteen grandchildren.
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.
Deputy Sheriff Potter served with the Beaver County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Beaver community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Potter.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Beaver County Sheriff's Office has lost 2 officers; 1 of them lost to accidents.
Harry is one of 135 officers lost to accidents in OK, 23.2% of the 582 remembered there.
Harry is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Harry is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1971, 3 officers in OK were lost to accidents, the 4th heaviest of 78 years on record. The heaviest was 1980, with 4.
In 1971, 79 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 29th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1971, 91 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 36th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Harry was 75. Of the 118 lost to accidents in OK whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48.8; the middle age was 38.
Harry was 75. 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.
Harry was 75. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36.
When
December holds 10.4% of these deaths in OK; March holds the most, 12.6%. Tuesdays: 14.1%.
December holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Tuesdays: 14.1%.
December holds 8.9% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Tuesdays: 14%.
How
Accident deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Beaver County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 23.2% of all 582 deaths in OK, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Beaver County Sheriff's Office has 2 officers remembered here, Harry among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 54-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Beaver County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
