Denver, CO – The Colorado State Patrol is honoring the life and sacrifice of Patrolman Harold M. Bechtelheimer, who was killed in the line of duty on September 14, 1949, while patrolling near Colorado Springs.
According to the Colorado State Patrol, Bechtelheimer—known as “Beck”—was the first trooper in the agency’s history to be slain while serving. On that day, he attempted to stop a speeding green Buick traveling southbound on Highway 85-87, north of Colorado Springs. Before Bechtelheimer could approach the vehicle, a passenger exited and circled behind him.
Reports state that the suspect struck Bechtelheimer with a flashlight before shooting him in the chest and arm. Though badly wounded, Bechtelheimer managed to return to his patrol car to call for help, but later succumbed to his injuries…