The City has announced the name of the officer who was struck and killed Wednesday night on Highway 58. His training officer, Bethany Grusing, was serious injured in the same accident. The City's announcement follows:
Golden, CO — It is with a heavy heart that we announce the tragic loss of Officer Evan Dunn, who was killed in the line of duty last night. Officer Dunn, 33, brought his dedication and service from his previous role as an Army Aviation Officer and Blackhawk pilot to the Golden Police Department, where he served this close-knit community with honor. Dunn also actively served as a Captain in the Army National Guard.
Officer Dunn is survived by his wife, Annalise, and their beloved dog, Remy, as well as his parents and two siblings. Annalise shared that Evan was, first and foremost, a man of faith, loyal, steady, quiet, and observant. The couple shared a deep love for the outdoors, often camping and traveling together in their free time. She is deeply appreciative of the overwhelming support from the community but asks for privacy in the coming days as she grieves.
The Golden Police Department, which serves a community of approximately 20,000 residents with a team of 71 employees, 53 of whom are sworn officers, is devastated by this loss. "We are a family," said Golden Police Chief Joe Harvey. "We are very close with each other and with our community. Evan had a bright future and was destined to do great things, and we will never get over his loss. We can only continue doing the job he loved in his honor."
Officer Dunn joined the Golden Police Department as a Code Enforcement Officer, where he served for a year before entering the police academy. He graduated in July and was partnered with Officer Bethany Grusing, his field training officer, who was also injured in the crash. Officer Grusing, a member of the Golden Police Department since 2020, sustained serious injuries. “She has a broken heart as well,” said Chief Harvey.
We are currently working on funeral arrangements and coordinating details for those who wish to offer support. Our department is incredibly grateful to everyone offering support, including the Colorado State Patrol, Arvada Police Department, and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance during this difficult time.
Donations can be made to Colorado Fallen, the official donation website for Officer Evan Dunn. Further information regarding services and other details will be provided as they become available.
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Meredith Ritchie
Engagement & Communications Director | City of Golden
(pronouns: She/Her/Hers) What's This?
911 10th Street | Golden, CO 80401
303-384-8132 Direct | 609-276-2523 Cell
Donations:
The City also posted this information about donations on Facebook:
We are so grateful for the support we are receiving from the community for our fallen Officer Dunn. We respectfully ask that any businesses who would like to donate, please email cityofgolden@cityofgolden.net and we will coordinate with you.
For members of the public, please direct all monetary donations for the family towww.coloradogives.org/story/GoldenOfficer.