The College of Criminology and Criminal Justice regrets to announce the passing of alumnus and 2013 Hall of Fame Recipient, Dale Thomas Beerbower.

Mr. Beerbower, a well-respected leader in the Jacksonville community, graduated from Florida State University in 1971 with a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice.

After graduation, Mr. Beerbower spent his career serving in the field at the local and national levels. In Jacksonville he served as a police officer, Director of the Department of Public Safety, and an Assistant Management Specialist for the Fire and Rescue Department.

Mr. Beerbower also served in Washington, D.C. as a Criminal Justice Program Specialist, and the Inspector General for the Selective Service System.

“Dale exemplified what we hope for in our graduates- he was motivated, academically astute, all together professional, and a gracious and friendly person,” said Dean Thomas Blomberg.  “He will be greatly missed.”

In addition to his professional service, Mr. Beerbower wrote, published, and presented articles and papers on criminal justice topics and received numerous awards, honors, and fellowships including a certificate of appreciation from President Jimmy Carter and his induction into the College of Criminology and Criminal Justice Hall of Fame in 2013.

Mr. Beerbower passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 26 at his home in Jacksonville.