Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

41 years today. Still haven't forgotten you, old friend. Still miss you.

Sgt. Keith Leach (retired)
Moraine PD

February 16, 2024

NEVER FORGET! Please join me and honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman Frederick J. Beard of the West Carrollton Police Department, Ohio and the additional 77 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer (Retired)
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

February 16, 2024

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman Frederick J. Beard of the West Carrollton Police Department, Ohio and the additional 76 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

February 16, 2023

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorney Generals Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman Frederick J. Beard of the West Carrollton Police Department, Ohio and the additional 74 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

February 16, 2021

Rest in peace Patrolman Beard.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 23, 2020

Just thinking about that night Fred, as I do often still 36 years later. I was one of the officers there that night when things went so terribly wrong. Fred was a great officer and good friend. I had been on the job shy of 3 years when Fred died. Fred has not been forgotten and I feel fortunate to have known him. Peace and God bless you my brother in blue.

Retired Patrolman John Brun
Moraine Police Department

October 24, 2019

I feel very fortunate to have met Fred and his wife through working as a volunteer firefighter on the fire department. Many nights I would ride-along with Fred after working at the Pizza Hut. Better known to all WCPD officers at the time as the "Red Roof." He seemed to know just about everyone in town. I miss those nights! Fred was a great father and police officer. Time has really gone by so quickly since that day in February of 1983. I am constantly reminded of how dangerous working in public safety can be. Peace be with you and god bless your family.

Fire Chief Chris Barnett
West Carrollton Fire

February 14, 2014

Just thinking about you Fred. John and I were with you when you were killed. It's been almost 30 years and it seems like yesterday. You were an outstanding police officer and a true friend. I can't remember how many times we backed each other up, but you always took care of me. I have prayed for your family over the years and hope they have found some peace. I miss you, buddy, and I know we'll see each other again. God bless you.

Sgt. Keith Leach
Moraine PD

June 6, 2012

I did not know Fred personally, I was only seven years old when he was killed, but have heard so many stories about him from those that did. As a matter of fact, I could tell you one of the stories as if I was there. I have heard it several times and it never gets old. One told by a Detective at the WCPD that had dinner with Fred just hours before he was taken. He always tells me "You would like Fred, he always smiled and had a way to make you laugh."

I have also heard the story of what lead up to you giving your life for another. Your quick thinking and bravery to pursue and stand up to the evil forces that lead to your early death did in fact save the life of another.

Now, 29 years later, you still watch over your brothers and sisters at the WCPD. I have felt you on my shoulder. Fred, you are gone, but never forgotten. You are, and always will be, a True Blue Warrior.

Ptl. Dan Wessling
West Carrollton Police Deaprtment

February 21, 2012

I first met Fred when we were at Wright State together, and we immediately became friends. It was only later that I learned he had joined up with WCPD, and we met many times at the "border during our second watch tours.

Fred was the epitome of what a police officer should strive to be, pleasant, courteous, and tough, and courageous, when the time called for that.

My last meeting with Fred, his lovely wife, and children, was before Christmas of 1982 I believe, at a Frisches, while we both were out shopping, and I remember his smile, and his family as it were burned indelibly in my mind.

This is far after the posts above, but tonight I just happened to be reflecting on the great officers I have served with, and looked Fred up , to see if there was any tribute to him. I consider Fred one of the best, and brightest, and he was taken from the people far too early.

RIP Fred, you are remembered by your friends, and fellow officers.

Patrolman BA Bussard
Miami Township PD

August 30, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 27th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

February 18, 2010

I did not know Off Beard, he was before my time. I appreciate the sacrifice he made and what it represented. He was there to help another agency. I'm currently at the FBI National Academy in Washington DC and our group will be at the Law Enforcement Memorial. I'll make it a point to etch his name tonight. God bless your family.

Sgt Mike Keegan
Moraine PD

January 27, 2010

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR DEDICATION AND YOUR SERVICE, YOU ARE A HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE.

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

February 10, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

January 8, 2008

I got to know Fred when I was attending Wright State University. I was working at the Exxon Car Wash and Fred used to bring his cruiser in and get it washed. One evening I was out cruising in my Olds 442 and let's just say I was being a little more exuberant than I should have been. I saw the blue lights flashing so I pulled over. There was Fred getting out of his cruiser with a smile on his face. He gave me a little lecture and then told me to get out of there and behave myself. No ticket! We used to joke about that later but I did appreciate the break he gave me. After he died I was seated on the grand jury. To my surprise one of the cases we heard was the one where Fred paid the ultimate sacrifice. After listening to the testimony I was glad that I was doing my public duty and was able to hand down the indictment that got the guy that caused his death sent to prison. Fred was a good guy and I still think about him when I drive my 442 which I've kept all these years.

Jack D. Kerr

October 27, 2007

Fred was my best friend and I miss Fred and his wisdom that he always provided Tammy and I.
I was on the way to meet Fred and ride with him on the night that he was killed.
I finally attended the Officer memorial service in Columbus Ohio in May 2007 and was able to see his name on the memorial wall.
We miss you and talk about you all the time.
Gene and Tammy Colon

Gene Colon
Friend and Firefighter

May 13, 2007

I was on the department for less than three years when Officer Beard died, and during that time I got to know Officer Beard. I was there that night when Officer Beard gave the ultimate sacrifice and all hell broke loose. Officer Beard was a good friend and a good officer and is missed by his family and friends. I still remember that night and the events that took place as if they had just happened. Officer Beard lost his life doing what he loved and what he believed in. I thank him.

Detective
Moraine P.D.

August 12, 2005

You died on the day i was born. God bless your family and thank you for wearing the badge.

Res. Officer Kyle Flud
Langley Police Dept.- Langley , Ok

July 20, 2004

I REMEMBER PTL. BEARD WAS KILLED SOON AFTER I BECAME A MEMBER OF THE MIAMISBURG PD. I REMEMBER THE FUNERAL LIKE IT WAS YESTERDAY. IT MADE ME SCARED AS I WAS ONLY 16 YEARS OLD AND I ASKED MYSELF WHAT AM I DOING WANTING TO BE A POLICEMAN? IT'S TOO DANGEROUS! THEN I THOUGHT WHAT A HERO HE IS AND HE INSPIRED ME TO WANT TO BE THERE TO HELP PEOPLE. HE MADE ME THINK IF NO ONE WANTED TO BE POLICE OFFICERS BECAUSE THEY'RE SCARED, NO ONE WOULD BE POLICE OFFICERS. 21 YEARS LATER I STILL THINK OF HIM AND I APPRECIATE HIS ULTIMATE SACRIFICE TO HIS COMMUNITY AND HIS COUNTRY AND A YOUNG OFFICER IN 1983.

AUX. OFC. SCOTT ROYSDON
MIAMISBURG OHIO PD

April 9, 2004