PGPD Remembers Fallen Hero Major Richard J. Beavers (11-29-83)

Let us pause to remember our Fallen Hero, Major Richard J. Beavers, lost this day in 1983 as a result of injuries sustained the previous evening during an armed robbery attempt in King Sector.

Major Beavers was born on May 2, 1946. He was raised in the Lewisdale section of Hyattsville, Maryland, and graduated from Northwestern High School in 1966. Major Beavers then joined the United States Air Force where he served with honor and distinction until his discharge in 1967. He joined the Prince George's County Police Department on November 6, 1967, as a member of Session 3-67, a class that would ultimately lose three of its members in the Line of Duty. Upon completion of his Academy training, Major Beavers was assigned to the Hyattsville District Station. Major Beavers rose through the ranks of the Department, culminating with his promotion to the rank of captain in 1979. Three years later, he became the commander of the Oxon Hill District Station.

On the evening of November 28, 1983, Major Beavers observed two subjects armed with handguns approaching his unmarked police vehicle as he conducted a premise check at 3513 St. Barnabas Road in Temple Hills, Maryland. As the Major drew his service weapon and began to challenge the subjects, they opened fire. Major Beavers returned fire but was critically wounded in the exchange. He was rushed to an area hospital where he succumbed to those wounds on the morning of November 29, 1983.

Major Beavers served the Prince George's County Police Department for 16 years and was the 15th member of this Agency to make the Ultimate Sacrifice. He was the 23rd law enforcement officer to give his life in service to this Profession within Prince George's County.

At the time of his death, Major Richard J. beavers was 37 years old and survived by his wife, son, and daughter.