National Law Enforcement Week

National Law Enforcement Week was  established in 1962. Events across the country honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Annual Tribute to Fallen Heroes

Arvada PD holds an honor watch and wreath ceremony on a designated morning each May in recognition of W. Michael Northey and Robert Beghtol, two Arvada Police officers who were killed in the line of duty. After the ceremony, the Honor Guard conducts a ceremonial watched over the wreath until 12 p.m., with a changing of the guard every 20 minutes.

Arvada Fallen Officers

• W. Michael Northey

  • Officer Northey was killed after being struck by a car while making an arrest in 1979. Shortly after his death, the W. Michael Northey Foundation was established to assist officers in need and provide scholarships to students in Arvada pursuing a degree in higher education.

• Robert Beghtol

  • Officer Beghtol  died in 1961 during Scuba Diving Unit practice at the lake near 60^th and Tennyson. The Arvada Police training facility, the Beghtol Building, is named in his honor.

• Gordon Beesley

  • Officer Gordon Beesley was shot in the line of duty on June 21, 2021. The investigation is ongoing.