SERGEANT LARRY L. BEVERIDGE
BADGE 147 & 326, ID 1071
SDPD 12/01/1958 - 03/08/1980
10/14/1937 - 09/02/2024
THE THIN BLUE LINE
Larry Leonard Beveridge of Florence, Oregon, was born in 1937 in Little Falls, Minnesota to Arline Glendora (Stout) and Leonard Roland Beveridge. He gained his well-deserved angel wings on 2 September 2024.
He is survived by his wife of forty-six years, Jacquie, and son Jeffrey, whom he adopted. Jacquie adopted his children from his first marriage to Barbra Jean Crites, daughters Rene and Randee, and son Richard. Jacquie’s son Jimmy and Larry’s son Robert predeceased him. Ten grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren are scattered around the U.S.
He was uprooted and transplanted to Great Lakes, Illinois, Richmond, California, Agana, Guam, and San Diego, California when his Dad, who had already served in the U.S. Navy, reenlisted at the start of WWII. At Ocean View Elementary, Larry joined the school safety patrol. The SDPD officer who guided him later worked for him on the police department.
His quick wit was one of his best attributes. His infectious laugh and romantic charm were bonuses. As an instructor at San Diego Miramar College and in many classes for the San Diego Police Academy, the students/recruits enjoyed his zany methods of teaching subjects such as EMT, Non-lethal chemical agents, traffic accident reconstruction, and the art of ticket writing.
His strong work ethic started at age 7 when he sold newspapers on the street corner before he knew how to make change. While in high school, he worked as a stock clerk at Big Bear Market. As a scuba diver, he supplemented his income for several years by harvesting abalone to sell. Following college at San Diego State, he worked for Convair as a metallurgist, which spawned his lifelong interest in metals and gems. He applied for San Diego Police Department, which was ready to hire him until they learned he wasn’t quite 21. Luckily, he was old enough just a few weeks later and attended the police academy along with several high school classmates. Larry was one of several officers who worked for a local dry-cleaning company in addition to their regular work. After arriving at the business at 6 am, they loaded up the trucks and headed to the 32nd St. Navy base. Navigating the gangplanks with heavy bags of uniforms kept them in shape and supplemented their income.
Just 7 years after becoming a police officer, Larry qualified as an expert witness in traffic accident reconstruction. This led to his enhanced career as the expert for the City and County of San Diego for several years before he retired and opened a private practice. He opened offices in Sacramento, CA, and Atlanta, GA. During his law enforcement career, he created a training program so officers could issue citations when they hadn’t witnessed the accident. He participated in the first Police Olympics, was tapped to be a SWAT sergeant for the newly formed unit and was the sergeant for the School Safety Patrol.
Professionally he served as North County Transit District Accident Review Board Chairman, president of the San Diego Forensic Consultants Association and was a member of the California Association of Highway Safety Leaders, Southwestern Association of Technical Accident Investigators, and National Association of Professional Accident Reconstruction Specialists.
Many other activities kept him busy. In addition to being in the marching band, he was the high school newsletter editor. He went on to serve as the drum major at San Diego State. He possessed a gift of playing woodwinds and had a band for a few years while he was in college. Many hours were spent playing cribbage and poker. He taught backyard swim classes and coached Little League. In 1993, he joined the Elks Lodge. Fishing was a passion and evolved into a business called “The Other Party” where they hosted in-home parties for people to buy fishing gear. This expanded to organizing chartered fishing trips to Baja California.
He was in the first confirmation class at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, where he went on to serve several terms as an elder years later. After he and Jacquie attended a Marriage Encounter weekend, they were asked to be a presenting couple. It was Larry’s idea to renew their marriage vows every five years. Several friends were so moved when they attended that they also renewed their vows.
After the 1981 death of son, Jimmy Beveridge, Larry and Jacquie supported the creation of the Hug-A-Tree and Survive Program to teach children very basic wilderness survival principles. The program expanded to several other countries and has saved countless lives. They were presented with the San Diego Public Safety Award and spoke at two SARSCENE Conferences in Canada.
He agreed to retire in Florence, Oregon in 2003. Before long he became vice-president and then president of their Homeowners Association. His inner artist created glass yard art that was sold in a local shop after debuting at the Rhody Days Arts and Crafts Fair.
He and Jacquie were blessed to travel to seventy countries and make friends all over the world.
Husband of former
Officer Jacquie Beverage
Basic information is provided as a courtesy and is obtained from a variety of sources including public data, museum files and or other mediums. While the San Diego Police Historical Association strives for accuracy, there can be issues beyond our control which renders us unable to attest to the veracity of what is presented. More specific information may be available if research is conducted. Research is done at a cost of $50 per hour with no assurances of the outcome. For additional info please contact us.
