Chief Beck’s Father, Retired LAPD Deputy Chief George Beck, Honored at 2011 Western States Police and Fire Games NR11270kr

Los Angeles: Last night, retired Los Angeles Police Department Deputy Chief George Beck received the second annual Duke Nyhus Exceptional Service Award during a gala event at the Ontario Convention Center.

Beck graciously accepted the award about 8 p.m. before a cheering crowd. Duke Nyhus is the originator of the Western States Police and Fire Games, formally known as the Police Olympics, which began in 1967.  

Beck was chosen for his leadership during the early years of the games and for his personal efforts to involve the men and women of the LAPD, along with his advocacy for involvement to other police departments.  Nyhus presented the award personally to Beck, stating that “the games would have never gone past their first year without George Beck’s personal involvement.”
 
Beck became aware of the annual games through the LAPD’s former athletic director, Bob Burke. Beck worked closely with Burke, both recognizing the importance of the games for the Department, especially in reference to increasing morale and promoting physical conditioning for the participants. Beck even took part in the games himself as a marathoner. Some of the other sports included in the games are softball, swimming, bowling, track and field, table tennis, bench press, horseshoes and flag football, to name a few.

This year’s 2011 Western States Police and Fire Games are being hosted by the City of Ontario with support from the Ontario Fire and Police Departments and the Ontario Convention and Visitors Bureau, with venues throughout the greater Ontario area.  The games began earlier this month on June 4 and will run through June 11. There are over 4,100 law enforcement and fire personnel participating in this year’s games, including nearly 400 LAPD officers.

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