Oxford Police Department, Alabama
End of Watch: Friday, August 19, 1977
Age: 63
Tour of Duty: 16 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: August 19, 1977
Weapon Used: Officer's handgun
Suspect Info: Not available
Captain Beard was shot and killed while transporting a prisoner to the police department off Interstate 20 in Pell City. The prisoner complained that his handcuffs were too tight during the trip. As Captain Beard attempted to loosen the handcuffs the suspect gained control of Captain Beard's service weapon and shot him.
Captain Beard had served with the agency for 16 years. He was survived by his wife, son, and daughter.