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Incident
Captain Beard was shot and killed while transporting a prisoner to the police department off Interstate 20 in Pell City. The prisoner complained that his handcuffs were too tight during the trip. As Captain Beard attempted to loosen the handcuffs the suspect gained control of Captain Beard's service weapon and shot him. Captain Beard had served with the agency for 16 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, son, and daughter.
In Our Keeping
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- 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.
Captain Beard gave the Oxford Police Department 16 years.
Thank you for your service to the Oxford community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Captain Beard.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Oxford Police Department has lost 3 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 405 officers killed feloniously in AL, 63% of the 643 remembered there.
William is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William 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 1977, 2 officers in AL were killed feloniously, the 69th heaviest of 131 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 10.
In 1977, 128 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 36th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1977, 146 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 34th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 63. Of the 344 killed feloniously in AL whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 49; the middle age was 40. William had served 16 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
William was 63. 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. William had served 16 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 63. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. William had served 16 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 9.6% of these deaths in AL; September holds the most, 9.9%. Fridays: 14.6%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 3 deaths at Oxford Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63% of all 643 deaths in AL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 6.7% 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 officer's handgun, in 5.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
His people
Oxford Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 49-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Oxford Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
