Community rallies for injured Golden police officer

LITTLETON, Colo — At Saucy’s Pizza in Littleton, a steady stream of customers filled the restaurant Tuesday morning—not for an ordinary slice, but to show support for Golden Police Officer Bethany Grusing. 

On Nov. 6, Grusing was struck by a suspected drunk driver on Highway 58 in Golden when investigating a crash. Grusing was critically injured from the crash, but the accident claimed the life of fellow officer, Evan Dunn. He has remained on the community’s mind with much of the focus centering on honoring Dunn’s memory. 

Golden Police Chief Joe Harvey explained that Grusing had served as Dunn’s field training officer, a role that inherently comes with great responsibility.

“I know that Bethany is carrying some of that guilt with her,” Harvey said, reflecting on a long conversation he said he had earlier that day. “When you’re the one who survives a tragedy like this, there are questions: ‘Why?’ It’s tough. It really is.”

Grusing was released from the hospital a day after the crash but faces a long road to recovery. 

“She’s not back to work yet and probably won’t be for a while,” Harvey said. “The hard part is getting over the emotional trauma.”  

The fundraiser at Saucy’s Pizza exemplified the tight-knit bonds in Jefferson County, where the police force and the community stand shoulder to shoulder in times of need.  

TJ Wood, the owner of Saucy’s and a former deputy himself, offered 15% of Tuesday’s proceeds to the MC-1 Foundation, an organization that supports fallen officers and their families. All funds raised will go directly to Grusing and her family.  

“It doesn’t matter what badge you wear. If you wear a badge, people have your back,” Wood said. “That big family, it means everything.”  

The restaurant was bustling with activity as soon as its doors opened at 11 a.m. with law enforcement officers from the JeffCo Sheriff’s Office and neighboring agencies showing up in full force.

“No, it’s not normally this busy at 11 a.m.,” Wood said.

For the police chief, the outpouring of support is a reminder of why officers dedicate themselves to service.  

“We always remember the officers who fall, but we forget about the ones who are injured,” he said. “This is going to go a long way to helping Bethany get back on her feet.”  

As the community filled donation jars and packed the restaurant, Harvey reflected on what this show of support will mean for Grusing.  

“For her, it’s going to be overwhelming,” he said. “It’s yet another reminder of why you do the job.”  

For more information about the MC-1 Foundation or to make a direct donation, click here.