U.S. Air Force · United States 
Richard Leo Beecher
1978
Richard Leo Beecher served the U.S. Air Force for 3 years. Richard served in the Vietnam War and the Cold War.
How He Died
Manner
Accident
Cause
Multiple traumatic injuries
What Happened
Assistant Chief Richard Beecher was struck and killed by a vehicle while manning a roadblock near the intersection of U.S. 17 and Washington Loop Road during the search of an escaped murderer from the Charlotte County Jail. He had flagged down a truck and stepped up on the running board to speak to the driver. After questioning the driver, he stepped down off the running board and was struck by a passing motorist. Assistant Chief Beecher was transported to a local hospital where he died from his injuries a few hours later. The escapee was arrested a short time later. Assistant Chief Beecher had served with the Punta Gorda Police Department for nine years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
Service Record
U.S. Air Force
1963 – 1966
Conflicts
Vietnam War
Cold War
Also Served
Punta Gorda Police Department
Assistant Chief
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
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Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 2, 2026
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