Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Patrolman Harry C. Beasley

Newark Police Department, Ohio

End of Watch Thursday, July 2, 1931

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Reflections for Patrolman Harry C. Beasley

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman Harry C. Beasley of the Newark Police Department, Ohio and the additional 86 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

July 2, 2023

Patrolman Beasley,
On today, the 90th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the USN during WW I and at Vera Cruz in Mexico.

Fair Winds And Following Seas

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

July 2, 2021

Rest in peace Patrolman Beasley. A Buckeye hero!

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 18, 2020

Veterans column: Paying respects to veteran, Newark Ohio police officer Beasley in 1931

Posted on August 1, 2020
Newark Advocate News

When Officer Harry Beasley died from his wounds on July 2, 1931, two men were imprisoned in Chillicothe on suspicion of the robbery and shooting of Beasley. Morris Deer, 23, and Paul Murphy, 22, were held on technicalities while their fingerprints were compared with those found on the discarded safe from the Newark Shoe store. The same Newark Advocate article, which reported on Beasley’s death also had the announcement from the state bureau of investigation that the fingerprints did not match Deer or Murphy. Newark Chief of Police McMasters, was now back to square one.

The funeral for the slain officer was held on Monday, July 6. His body was at his sister’s house at 81 Day Ave. for family and friends to view. That afternoon the funeral procession formed at the home to escort the body to the First Methodist Church. The Chief of Police led the procession with a motorcycle escort, which was followed by Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Navy. The V.F.W color guard and the Knights of Pythias were next along with Major William Keller, who also had been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor and represented the National Commander of the V.F.W. Ohio Governor George White and his escort followed the official cars. Next in the processional came the Officers of the Newark Police department and approximately 75 members of the V.F.W. and American Legion. A large number of police chiefs from other cities in Ohio were at the rear of the procession. They marched up Main Street then around the square and made their way to the church.

The stores in Newark were closed during the services. The Midland Theatre paused during their regular program while their organist played the hymn “Abide with Me.” Special lighting effects shone on the stage during the program, which concluded with the playing of “Taps.” At the conclusion of the church service, the casket was escorted to Cedar Hill Cemetery, where more eulogies were given followed by a 21-gun salute. The service concluded when Officer Jack Jones flew over in his airplane and dropped a wreath on the grave.

Through the weeks that followed, the investigation continued. A safe that had been stolen a week before Beasley’s murder, was found in the old canal behind the Zanesville, Ohio police station. Newark police believed both incidents were tied to the same individuals. However, months went by with no arrests. The months faded away into years as detectives tried to solve the Beasley case, hampered by the fact the case file has been missing for years. The missing file has led to conspiracy theories over the years, but nothing was ever proved. Beasley’s grave at Cedar Hill Cemetery is rather plain; no great monument marks his resting place. He had gained notoriety in Newark for his Medal of Honor, that notoriety was sealed further as he became only the second Newark Police officer killed in the line of duty. Perhaps as one stands by his grave, they can hear the hymn from the Midland organ and reflect on these words to honor the brave life of Harry Beasley.

Retired Police Officer
NYPD

August 1, 2020

Patrolman Beasley you will never be forgotten. Rest In Peace Sir. Semper Fidelis

M.C. Officer Retired, Columbus Ohio P.D.
Columbus, Ohio Police Department

July 20, 2020

Thank you for your service, both military and police, and always know that your sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten. Rest in peace.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

July 2, 2020

Rest in peace Patrolman Beasley.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 12, 2020

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman Harry C. Beasley of the Newark Police Department, Ohio and the additional 80 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation

July 2, 2019

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Westerville, Ohio Division of Police, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman Harry C. Beasley of the Newark Police Department, Ohio and the additional 78 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Chief Joe Morbitzer
Westerville, Ohio Division of Police

July 2, 2018

Patrolman Beasley, after 85 years, you are still remembered and honored for your service to your community and to your nation. Thank you.

Milton Proctor
Deer Park Police Dept, Oh (Ret)

July 2, 2016

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

July 4, 2015

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 81rst anniversary year 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 who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Thank you also for your valor during war time that led to you being given the great honor of being awarded the Medal of Honor. Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

December 21, 2012

Officer Beasley,

Your actions speak volumes of the man you were. You are an example to officers today of what is a hero.

May God bless you and keep you.

Corporal Michael Lowry
University of Colorado Police Department

April 29, 2008

On behalf of the Fraternal Order of Police, Capital City lodge #9 in Columbus, Ohio we are very sorry for the loss of your life while serving your community and our country! God bless your family!

President Jim Gilbert
Fraternal Order of Police,Capital City Lodge #9, Columbus, Ohio

July 9, 2007

Patrolman Beasley,
On today, the 76th anniversary of your murder, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your community, but also for our Country when you served in the U.S. Navy at Vera Cruz in 1914 and in World War I as well. To be awarded the Medal Of Honor-shows what kind of hero you were.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous

July 2, 2007

What a shame that a man like this can render such heroic service, both as a Police Officer and as a member of the military, yet he is all but forgotten. Harry, rest at the right hand of the Lord, for you are not forgotten. No words can express my gratitude for your sacrifice.

Ptl Brian Tarbox
Lighthouse Point (FL) P.D.

July 2, 2005

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