Line of Duty Deaths Database

Harry Beetstra
Name
Harry Beetstra
Local
L1286, Richmond
Gender
Male
Age
85
District
06
Occupation
District Chief
Type of Duty
Fire Suppression
Fatal Injury Cause
Contact/Exposure - Contact/Exposure: Insufficient Info.
Nature of Fatal Injury
Cancer - Lung
Date of Death
7/25/1991
Year Placed On Wall
2017
Multiple Line of Duty Incident
No information available
Name
City/State
Date
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Biographical Comments
Harry was a beloved husband, father and grandfather. He loved the outdoors, spending time hunting, fishing and camping with his family and friends. Harry had a passion for gardening, especially vegetables, which he grew in abundance and shared freely with his family and friends.

Harry joined the Richmond Fire Department in 1964 after first serving with the Steveston Volunteer Fire Brigade. He rose through the ranks to eventually become a District Chief with the Richmond Fire Department.

Harry received The Fire Service Exemplary Service Medal from the Canadian Government and the British Columbia Firefighters Medal.

Before he died he had the honor, and was very proud knowing his son Jack followed in his footsteps, creating the first father/son combination for the department. Harry died of lung cancer on July 25, 1991, just two months short of retirement. He served 27 years with the Richmond Fire Department.

Harry was proud of his family, proud of his career, and is truly missed by all. (Submitted by the Beetstra family for the 2017 IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial)
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