Deputy Sheriff Richard Keith Bellar

Deputy Sheriff Richard Keith Bellar

Dickson County Sheriff's Office, Tennessee

End of Watch Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Add to My Heroes

Richard Keith Bellar

Deputy Keith Bellar succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained the previous day when he stopped to help at what he believed to be a car accident in Dickson.

A Dickson 911 dispatcher had just completed her shift when her estranged husband began following her. As the vehicles traveled on West Walnut Street the husband ran the wife off the road near McKenzie Street. Deputy Bellar witnessed the crash but was not aware it involved a domestic dispute.

When he stopped at the scene the husband immediately opened fire on him, striking him in the head before he was able to exit his patrol car. The man then committed suicide.

Deputy Bellar was flown to Vanderbilt University Medical Center where he succumbed to his wound the next day.

Deputy Bellar had served with the Dickson County Sheriff's Office for six years. He is survived by his wife and 6-month-old son.

Bio

  • Age 27
  • Tour 6 years
  • Badge 63

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Incident Date Monday, June 6, 2011
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Committed suicide

Most Recent Reflection

View all 230 Reflections

Lord Jesus, as we watch America’s Peace Officers succumb to the wicked and evil in this world, Shot and Killed in the Line-of-Duty, it becomes difficult for us to pick up and move forward. Our communities are on the brink of exploding with tension. In light of the peace officers who are no longer with us, I pray for endurance for our communities and law enforcement agencies. Carry us through this time of strife, that through our struggles, our bonds may grow even more unbreakable. In Your mighty and holy name, I pray. Amen.

Holy Scriptures on Law Enforcement’s Mission:

“For the policeman [peace officer] does not frighten people who are doing right; but those doing evil will always fear him. So if you don’t want to be afraid, keep the laws and you will get along well. The policeman [peace officer] is sent by God to help you. But if you are doing something wrong, of course you should be afraid, for he [the peace officer] will have you punished. He [the peace officer] is sent by God for that very purpose. Obey the laws, then, for two reasons: first, to keep from being punished, and second, just because you know you should.” [Romans 13:3-5 TLB]

[Jesus Said,] “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” [John 15:13 ESV]

And he [Jesus] said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” [Luke 23:43 ESV]

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons [children] of God.” [Matthew 5:9 ESV]

“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” [Isaiah 6:8 ESV]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, FCPO-USA
Ordained Christian Global Outreach Minister No. 36526
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry

January 12, 2024

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.