Remembering Officer Gordon Beesley: Community Quotes

ARVADA, CO — A center spread memorial was dedicated to fallen Arvada officer Gordon Beesley in the latest edition of the Arvada Report.

Beesley was killed in the line of duty by a gunman who ambushed him, police said.

Quotes about Beesley from people of all ages were published in the report. Community members remembered the officer as a kind-hearted, humble man who was a role model to many.

"Gordon was a lot of things in life," said Arvada Chief of Police Link Strate. "He was a father, a husband, a brother, a son. He was a police officer, a friend, a musician, a cyclist. In addition to all this, he was kind; he was caring; he was humble. He had a fundamental goodness to him that is all too rare.

"His goodness stood out from the rest so significantly that you would stop and ask, 'why aren't more people like Gordon?' ... After five minutes with Gordon, you couldn't help but walk away feeling better ... [he] was, quite simply, one of the finest human beings I've ever met."

Beesley was sworn in as an Arvada police officer in 2002, and in 2011, he became a school resource officer at Oberon Middle School, where he spent the next decade.

Here are some other quotes about Beesley published in the Arvada Report:

"I never really had friends in middle school, but I always looked forward to running outside to play with Officer Beesley. He will forever be in my heart and be my hero." - Amanda

"You had a positive impact on my kid's life; sorry I never told you. You will be missed. Thanks for your service." - Monica

"I remember him being a gentle giant so many years ago and it seems he used this gift to be a source of strength and compassion for so many." - Joanna

"I'm going to honor his legacy by trying to be more like him." - Jim

Beesley was named City of Arvada Employee of the year in 2014, and a red oak tree was planted in his honor in Davis Lane Park.

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Beesley leaves behind his wife and two children. The Colorado Fallen Hero Foundation has set up a fundraiser for the Beesley family — you can make a donation here, or purchase an Arvada Strong shirt here — proceeds will benefit the foundation.

Non-monetary donations can be made by completing this donation form.

>> Read the full Arvada Report here.