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Incident
Chief of Police James Beard was shot and killed inside the Buesta Vista courthouse and jail, at 2110 Magnolia Avenue, with his own weapon by a prisoner he had transferred from Pennsylvania. The prisoner rushed Chief Beard, gained control of his weapon, and shot him twice. Another officer shot the suspect in the leg. His leg had to be amputated.
Chief Beard had served with Buena Vista Police Department 37 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and four 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
37 years. You could have gone home.
Chief of Police Beard gave the Buena Vista Police Department 37 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Buena Vista community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Beard.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Buena Vista Police Department has lost 4 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 393 officers killed feloniously in VA, 60.2% of the 653 remembered there.
James is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1933, 4 officers in VA were killed feloniously, the 27th heaviest of 136 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 10.
In 1933, 184 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 15th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1933, 186 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 18th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 67. Of the 364 killed feloniously in VA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38. James had served 37 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 67. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. James had served 37 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 67. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. James had served 37 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 7.6% of these deaths in VA; December holds the most, 10.4%. Saturdays: 16%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 75% of all 4 deaths at Buena Vista Police Department, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 60.2% of all 653 deaths in VA, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause.
His people
Buena Vista Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 40-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Buena Vista Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
