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Incident
Patrolman Finlay Beaton was shot and killed while approaching Kinney's Meat Market at 1108 Tower Avenue in Superior around 2:00 a.m. Several burglary suspects had just blown open a safe. As they made their escape out of the back alley, they shot Patrolman Beaton as he ran after them. Another officer found Patrolman Beaton, who was unable to identify the men. He succumbed to his wounds five hours later. The suspects stole over $1400 and were never apprehended.
Survivors
Patrolman Beaton was survived by his wife and two small children.
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 Beaton served with the Superior Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Superior community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Beaton.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Superior Police Department has lost 6 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
Finlay is one of 159 officers killed feloniously in WI, 50% of the 318 remembered there.
Finlay is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Finlay is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1919, 3 officers in WI were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 89 years on record. The heaviest was 1917, with 11.
In 1919, 212 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1919, 232 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 6th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Finlay was 48. Of the 141 killed feloniously in WI whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48; the middle age was 38.
Finlay was 48. 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.
Finlay was 48. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
July holds 11.9% of these deaths in WI; November holds the most, 11.9%. Sundays: 15.7%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 6 deaths at Superior Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 75% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 318 deaths in WI, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 27.7% 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 gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Superior Police Department has 6 officers remembered here, Finlay among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 43-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Superior Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
