Today is the anniversary of the line-of-duty death of Boston Police Officer William R. Beckman.

On this date in 1976, Officer Beckman suffered a fatal heart attack while pursuing robbers in the Back Bay. Officer Beckman was 21 year veteran of the Boston Police Department. On this day we remember Officer Beckman’s sacrifice, and we honor the memory of all other Boston Police officers who gave their lives to protect their fellow citizens.