Honoring Officer Dunn: A Tragic Loss and a Community United
On November 6, 2024, at 4:38 p.m., Officer Dunn and his Training Officer, Bethany Grusing were investigating a two-car accident, east bound on Colorado State Highway 58 just east of Washington Avenue. While conducting the investigation, both officers were struck by another vehicle which was being driven by a person under the influence of alcohol and pinning the officers under the vehicle. Officer Grusing sustained serious injuries and Officer Dunn died at the scene. The Golden Police Department received an outpouring of resources and support from our partners in Jefferson County to include the Colorado State Patrol, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Arvada Police Department, Lakewood Police Department, Wheat Ridge Police Department and several local fire departments. Additionally, officers from 76 agencies arrived on the scene to participate in the procession to honor Officer Dunn as he was transported to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office. Words will never describe how grateful we were then and are today. The support continued as thousands of law enforcement officers from around the state and Golden community members honored Officer Dunn at a heart-felt memorial service a week later. We are happy to report that although seriously injured, Officer Grusing is expected to make a full and healthy recovery and return to uniformed service to the Golden community in early 2025.
The Golden Community showered our team with incredible support, sympathy and prayers, all of which were heartfelt and comforting in our time of grieving. The members of the golden Police Department are honored to serve you. We are committed to being an agency of compassion, empathy, dignity, respect, fairness and impartiality. On behalf of the women and men of the Golden Police Department, I would like to express our sincere appreciation for the tremendous expression of support that our community members and city staff have shown us during this difficult time. I would also like to thank agencies from around the State of Colorado and many from around the Country for the kind words, flowers and other gifts. We are humbled by your generosity and partnership.
On behalf of the members of the Golden Police Department,
Joe Harvey, Chief of Police
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