Let me tell you a story. So one week ago a new headstone was unveiled that was long overdue. Frank Beevers was the first Edmonton police officer killed in the line of duty.
Beeverswas born in Leeds, England in 1866. In 1911 he moved to Canada with his wife. They started out as farmers about one hour south of Edmonton.
They moved to Edmonton in 1915 when he took a job as a janitor with the Edmonton Police Service. In 1918 he became a police constable. On Oct. 17, 1918 while investigating a robbery Beevers was shot and killed by the main suspect.
Three days later he was buried with only a wooden cross to mark the spot. After sometime it decayed and was never replaced.
In Feb. 2017 a local janitor with an interest in local history began to investigate the Beevers story. Eventually she contacted the Edmonton Police Service to inform them that Beevers grave was unmarked.
After locating Beever's great-Great nephew and his daughter in London they informed them that they had plans to unveil a headstone to honour Beever's. The nephew and his daughter were here in Edmonton at the unveiling. As well they met the janitor whose efforts made all of this possible
So that is the story of Frank Beevers
Poor Frank & family. Not long a police man & that happens to him. Sad for his wife & family. Good to know that someone appreciated his efforts & he is now official!
I'm glad to see the powers that be rectified the situation. No one giving their life for the good of all should be forgotten- especially at the grave site.
