Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Thank you for your service.

Ellen Vaughter

July 12, 2024

Richard was a wonderful man & friend. I grew up with Richard as a family friend, along with his wife & children. I think of Richard more often than not. Still in our hearts Richard.

Tawana Kelley
Friend

June 27, 2022

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

July 28, 2020

Richard Buckner, a man I remember well. I grew up in Clanton, Alabama, the son of a former police chief. Richard I can remember you always had a smile on your face and was willing to help anyone in need. I was sitting in front of the old goodyear service bays on Hwy. 31 when you came thru town headed south running 10-17, I would have never thought it was your final call. Hearts were and still breaking that night. R.I.P sir fly high. P.S. Tell my dad, Dewey Hand I said I love him

Chief Animal Control Terry Hand
City of Wetumpka, Alabama

July 30, 2016

We miss you, Just watch over all the rookies and us older guys. You were a true friend to all of us. THANKS for always finding a way to make us laugh.

Anonymous

August 28, 2008

17 years ago today the City of Clanton lost a fine officer and many of us at the C.P.D. lost a great friend. Rest in peace you are not forgotten "BUCK" .

Anonymous

July 28, 2008

A+ HERO

Anonymous

July 18, 2008

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

November 12, 2007

Rest in Peace, Officer Buckner. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

October 22, 2006

To the loved ones of Officer Buckner, and most especially to Officer Buckner himself:

On this the fifteenth anniversary date of your tragic death, please know that you are remembered and missed. Rest in Peace. Your dedication and valor will never be forgotten.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the service Officer Buckner gave to his community and the people of the state of Alabama, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on July 28, 1991.

Phyllis Loya, mother of Larry Lasater, PPD eow 4/24/05

July 28, 2006

Richard there is never a day that goes by that I don't think about you. I miss all of the fun times we had on duty. The night of your crash, I was the first one to your patrol car and will never forget having to tell dispatch and all of the other officers the LORD had called you to heaven. Since that morning, I had made my life right with the LORD and I know one day I will see you again in Heaven. Until then I will keep the memories we shared in my heart. You are truly missed by all of the officers who were lucky to have known you.

Officer John Stephens
Edmonds Police Dept. Washington. Former partner

April 23, 2006

rest in peace and if you have met clint walker from prattville yet tell him that he is missed as well i know you both gave up a lot for your job and a job well done at that god bless you

dispatcher kristie johnston
autauga 911 communications

May 6, 2005

no officer should be without a reflection. i consider it an honor to leave one for you. rest in peace until we meet up there.

florida deputy
columbia s.o.

July 25, 2004