JULY 2021 Blues Vol 37 No. 7

Police Officer Gordon

Police Officer Gordon Beesley Arvada Police Department, Colorado End of Watch Monday, June 21, 2021 Age N/A Tour 19 Years Badge # N/A Police Officer Gordon Beesley was shot and killed at about 1:30 pm after having responded to a suspicious event call near the Arvada Library in the 7500 block of W 57th Avenue. While Officer Beesley was checking the area a subject who had expressed a hatred for police arrived and saw him. The subject retrieved a 12-gauge shotgun from his vehicle, approached Officer Beesley from behind, and opened fire, killing Officer Beesley. A Good Samaritan, Mr. Johnny Hurley, heard the shots, rushed to the area, and fatally shot the subject prior to the arrival of backup officers. Mr. Hurley picked up the subject’s rifle to secure it but was mistaken for the original shooter and was fatally shot by responding officers. Officer Beesley had served with the Arvada Police Department for 19 years. He was the SRO at Oberon Middle School but was assigned to patrol during the summer break. Deputy Sheriff Anthony Redondo Imperial County Sheriff’s Office, California End of Watch Saturday, June 26, 2021 Age 25 Tour 9 Months Badge # 623 Deputy Sheriff Anthony Redondo was killed in a vehicle crash at the intersection of Aten Road and Forrester Road while responding to a call for service. His patrol SUV collided with another vehicle in the intersection. Deputy Redondo had served with the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office for only nine months. He is survived by his parents and siblings. Police Officer Kevin Apple Pea Ridge Police Department, Arkansas End of Watch Saturday, June 26, 2021 Age 53 Tour 23 Years Badge # 1212 Police Officer Kevin Apple was struck and killed by a vehicle in the parking lot of a gas station at the intersection of Slack Street and N Curtis Avenue. The vehicle had fled from officers in Rogers, Arkansas, earlier after they attempted to stop it for a property-related crime. Officer Apple and another officer spotted the vehicle parked in the gas station parking lot and attempted to contact the driver. The driver accelerated and struck a police car before fatally striking Officer Apple. Officers pursued the vehicle into Bella Vista where she and another occupant were arrested. Officer Apple had served with the Pea Ridge Police Department for three years and had previously served with the Lowell Police Department and Farmington Police Department. “When a police officer is killed, it’s not an agency that loses an officer, it’s an entire nation.” Chris Cosgriff, ODMP Founder 100 The BLUES POLICE MAGAZINE The BLUES POLICE MAGAZINE 101