William T. Beuke

• Cincinnati Police Sergeant
• Greater Cincinnati Police Museum Director

Bill was born July 25, 1944 in Cincinnati Ohio to Cincinnati Patrolman Leo T. and Anne (Montag) Beuke.  In 1965, during the Vietnam War, he enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve.  He was activated and, for two years, he was stationed aboard the USS Tallahatchie County, the second of two Talbot County-class tank landing ships. He made a career of the Reserves.

During 1971, Patrolman Leo Beuke retired from the Police Division. Less than two years later, his son, Bill, joined the Division’s57th Police Recruit class on July 30, 1972. On December 17, 1972 he was promoted to Patrolman, issued his father’s Badge Number 103, and assigned to District 5 (2012 Ludlow Avenue). During April 1974, Patrolman Beuke was rotated to District 3 (3201 Warsaw Avenue). He was promoted to Specialist January 20, 1990 and issued Badge PS-103. As computers were entering law enforcement, Specialist Beuke, the district’s Crime Prevention Officer, studied up on them and became the district’s computer ‘expert.’

In 1990, Electricians Mate First Class Beuke retired from the Naval Reserves after 24½ years of service.

During January 1993, he was promoted to Sergeant, issued Badge S-21, and assigned to District 5. Within 10 months, he was assigned as the District Commander’s Administrative Assistant and held that position for the rest of his career. Sergeant Beuke retired August 17, 2002 with 37 years of service to his country and community and an astounding 56 letters of appreciation and/or commendation.

Bill spent over 20 years on the board of the Espy Boys and Girls Club, in Lower Price Hill, two years as its President. He also rode in five Police Unity Tours (300-400 miles each) during National Police Weeks and two 200-mile Police Memorial Rides from Cincinnati to Indianapolis and back.

When the Greater Cincinnati Police Museum opened, Sergeant Beuke was one of the charter Museum Volunteers and soon took over as its Facilities Director. Ten years later, he was elevated to the Museum Director. He was also elected Vice President of the Board of Directors. Bill still serves the community, in that capacity, as he has since he joined the Navy 59 years ago.

 

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