“A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.”
This page is a tribute to the four Arvada Police Department officers who died in the line of duty. To honor them, the Foundation is partnering with the Department and the City to build a memorial in recognition of the sacrifice made by these officers to protect our community.
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OFFICER ROBERT G. BEGHTOL
Officer Beghtol started his career with the Arvada Police Department on December 15, 1958. He came to the Arvada Police Department after serving in the United States Army. On July 28, 1961, Officer Beghtol died during Scuba Diving Unit practice at the lake near 60th and Tennyson.
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OFFICER W. MICHAEL NORTHEY
Officer Mike Northey joined the Arvada Police Department on February 20, 1978. He was tragically struck and killed by a vehicle after he stopped two motorcycle riders on August 11, 1979. There is an Arvada park named after Officer Northey.
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OFFICER GORDON BEESLEY
On Monday, June 21, 2021, an unspeakable tragedy took place in our community. During that terrible event, an Arvada Police officer gave his life in service to our community.
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OFFICER DILLON VAKOFF
Officer Dillon Vakoff joined the Arvada Police Department in 2019. He was training to be a SWAT officer. Officer Vakoff came to us after serving six years in the Air Force. He was a 2012 graduate of Ralston Valley High School. He was killed in the line of duty while responding to a disturbance call on Sept. 11, 2022.
