St. Louis Police Department
Missouri
End of Watch: Monday, September 3, 1900
Cause: Electrocuted
Biographical Info
Age: 26
Tour of Duty: 1 year
Badge Number: Not available Officer Nicholas Beckman and Officer John Looney were electrocuted while attempting to use call boxes on their beats. Earlier in the evening a power line consisting of 3200 volts had crossed onto the police call box circuit at Eight and Carr Street.
The crossing of the wires caused the current to go through the call boxes. Officer Beckman was electrocuted at the call box on 18th Street between Washington and Carr Streets. Officer Looney was electrocuted at the call box at 12th and Morgan Street.
Officer Michael Burke died of his injuries 14 months later. 13 other officers were also injured in the incident.
Officer Beckman had served with the agency for 1 year. He was survived by his mother. | 
