In Memory of Public Safety Officer Dustin Michael Beasley

Monday, August 30, 2021, South Carolina officials announced the loss of a North Augusta Public Safety Officer to the ongoing COVID19 pandemic. Public Safety Officer Dustin Michael Beasley, badge number 390, died due to complications of the coronavirus. He was most likely infected with the virus during his duties as an officer. Officer Dustin Beasley was 31 years old.

The US has lost hundreds of officers to the COVID19 pandemic. More than 235 officers have died since January 2021. The coronavirus has become the number one cause of line of duty deaths for law enforcement officers in every field.

At the start of the pandemic, we learned that certain occupations had a much greater risk of contracting the virus. Law enforcement is one of the most dangerous fields as officers encounter many in public and often cannot socially distance themselves. Federal legislation was created to protect officers and their families. Any active-duty Police Officer who died from COVID19 will be counted as a line-of-duty death.

Beasley has worked for the North Augusta Department of Public Safety for more than eight years.

North Augusta Department of Public Safety, South Carolina

Beasley was a police officer with the North Augusta Department of Public Safety. The department includes all emergency services for the community under one roof. This consists of the fire department, emergency management services, and emergency medical services or ambulances. The all-in-one emergency department has been an ongoing trend among smaller communities to reduce the cost of overhead in these agencies.

The center includes the 911 emergency dispatch. This allows for intelligent technologies to send the most appropriate services quickly. North Augusta is located along the north bank of the Savannah River. Jurisdiction for the Department of Public Safety extends to approximately 25 square miles. The agency provides services to more than 23,000 residents.

Remembrances

Public Safety Officer Dustin Michael Beasley leaves behind his wife and child. Beasley’s child will join the more than 130,000 US children who have lost a parent or primary caregiver from COVID19. Residents and fellow officers will have to work to support the Beasley family during these difficult times.

Lieutenant R. Timothy Thornton of the North Augusta Department of Public Safety posted the official announcement of the loss of Officer Beasley. “With sad and heavy hearts, Chief John Thomas and everyone at Public Safety announces the passing of one of our beloved officers, Dustin Michael Beasley. He faithfully served behind the shield of many departments during his time in law enforcement. Dustin started his career at the Barnwell Sheriff’s Office. He served in the Williston Police Department and the South Carolina Highway Patrol before coming to North Augusta Public Safety in 2020. He would be described as a man of integrity, high moral standards, devoted husband, and loving father wherever he worked or lived. His colleagues, both past and present across the state, are mourning the loss of a great man. As we all continue to grieve, we ask you to keep the entire Beasley family in your thoughts and prayers. Rest in Peace, Dustin.”

Officer Beasley’s wife, Candace Beasley, spoke openly to her husband via Facebook. “Today, I said goodbye to my best friend, the love of my life, and wonderful husband. He was the best father to Carter and always took such good care of us. He had a long battle with Covid, and it finally took him. Thank you to everyone that has been praying for our family and will continue to do so. Dustin was such a great man, father, husband, and police officer. I will miss him more than he will ever know. I love you, Dustin. Keep an eye on Carter and me. You will forever be our angel.”