ARVADA, Colo. (KDVR) — The officer killed in a shooting in Olde Town on Monday has been identified as Gordon Beesley, who had been with the department for 19 years.
Arvada Police said Beesley was a school resource officer at Oberon Middle School and was working patrol while school was out for the summer.
Arvada Mayor Marc Williams said Beesley had been named employee of the year, “because he went beyond the call and just was always there for folks.”
“He was the epitome of what you would want in a police officer,” Williams said in an interview with FOX31. “We’re so proud to have him as part of our force, because he truly exemplified the type of officers we have here in Arvada.”
According to the City of Arvada, Beesley worked as a patrol officer before his time as an SRO and also spent some time as a motorcycle officer with the traffic unit.
He and his family enjoyed the Colorado outdoors, whether hiking, biking, skiing or camping. He also enjoyed traveling and learning, and he played drums in a band.
Beesley’s band, the Railbenders, released a statement on Tuesday, noting that Beesley had a wife and two sons.
We are utterly devastated by the loss of our brother Gordon Beesley. Gordon was a founding member of our band and played on our debut record. He was a tremendous talent and performer. More importantly, he was a great friend. He was a gentle giant. He was the nicest guy you could ever know. Everyone who met him knows all of this already. We could go on and on. The truth is: there are not enough words in the English language to adequately describe the amazing human being Gordon was. He was truly a light in our city and now there is a heavy darkness felt in his absence. Our hearts are especially with his wife and two boys at this time. We love you brother Gordon. See you on the other side.
Jim, Tyson, Graham, Tony, and Jeremy
His motto was “look for the good in every day.”
Beesley was shot and killed, along with 40-year-old John Hurley — identified by police as a good “Samaritan” in the incident — while responding to a report of suspicious activity, although further details have not yet been released. The shooter also was killed.
Donations for Officer Beesley’s family and funeral expenses can be made through the Colorado Fallen Hero Foundation website. The Arvada Police Department has also set up a web form for people wishing to make non-monetary donations.