TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — Hundreds of police officers from across the state gathered for a memorial to honor Tucson Police Officer Adam Buckner on Monday.
Last week, Buckner was killed on his way to a call after a collision in Midtown sent his vehicle into a traffic signal pole.
Media were not allowed inside the memorial at the Fox Theatre downtown where family, friends and colleagues remembered Officer Buckner. But the public was able to watch the memorial inside the Tucson Convention Center nearby.
Retired TPD officer Michael Batelli founded a non-profit, Boys in Blue Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club, that supports first responders and their families.
“We’re all retired law enforcement or first responders. It’s in our blood,” he said. “We want people to know we’re here. [Lost first responders are] never forgotten.”
Buckner won’t be forgotten, either.
He moved to Tucson and joined TPD in 2021. Last year, he became a lead police officer and was named Operation Division Midtown’s Officer of the Month.
A detective from New Orleans Police, Buckner’s last department, spoke at the memorial. There, Buckner’s TPD colleagues recognized him as an outstanding officer and person. They remembered him as caring, optimistic, reliable and authentic.
Buckner was only 31 years old.
Full video of the police procession following the memorial service from the Fox to TPD Headquarters is available in the video player above.
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