BEAUMONT, Texas — More than a century after his death, Beaumont's first Black police officer received recognition for making the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
The Beaumont Police Department held a special plaque dedication ceremony Wednesday at Evergreen Cemetery to honor Officer George Frederick, who died in 1902 while responding to a domestic dispute.
"Officers, sergeants, even the church and the cemetery—got together to give honor and provide a marked resting place for an officer who, 122 years ago, gave his life to help his community," said Beaumont Police Chief Tim Ocnaschek.
Officer Frederick was shot to death when he tried to arrest a woman during a domestic dispute between two sisters, one of whom had been shot, according to the Officer Down Memorial.
When Officer Frederick attempted to arrest the shooter, she shot him in the face. Though wounded, he returned fire and shot the suspect twice.
"To see, time and time again, officers who have given their lives to protect the community—it means a lot to us, and it surely means a lot to the community and the citizens around here," said Chief Ocnaschek.
The suspect died the next day, while her sister survived. Officer Frederick was taken home, where he died four days later.
The department is working to have Officer Frederick's name added to the Beaumont and Texas Police Officer Memorials, as well as the National Memorial in Washington, D.C.
"I think it's impressive to see the number of citizens who came out to support the department. They know this is what we strive for in officers and what the community expects," said Chief Ocnaschek.
While Officer Frederick's exact burial location remains unknown, his wife is buried at Evergreen Cemetery, which led to the selection of the memorial site.
"I feel like it's the pillar of this community," said Sandra Wilturn, CEO of the Evergreen Cemetery Foundation. "Cemeteries tell a history story."