Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Buchman,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S, Army in Vietnam. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

April 6, 2023

Fred , wanted to let you know I was thinking of you today as I always do . Just harder today as it is the 49th year of your line of duty death . I miss you so much still . I was 16 when you were killed in the line of duty , I will be 66 in July . It has not gotten any easier for me , still trying to cope , no family left to help , dad suddenly passed away 5 months before you , then 3 grandparents the same year , then another brother , then mom . Miss our family so much .
I am and always was so proud to be your little sister . We were so close . I love you Fred , you were the best brother ever . You served our country in VIETNAM and received a Purple Heart while serving as a combat photographer . But you did not survive Baltimore City . Pop Pop was so proud as well , as he was also a Baltimore City Police Officer back in the day .
I will never forget you as I honor you always and in addition to honor you at Fallen Heroes Day at DulaneyValley Memorial Gardens each year on the first Friday in May every year . I never want you to be forgotten , my husband retired from Baltimore County fire dept , passed away in 2018 unexpectedly but my son , now 27 will be the one to continue to carry on to honor you after I’m gone , he wants to do that for us because he knows how important it is to me . You would have loved him , so sorry you never got to meet him . So proud of him as well . Best son ever ! YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN

Regenia Buchman Baumgart
Your sister

April 6, 2022

I didn’t know you, and was sorry to hear your story, but am so grateful that there are and we’re hero’s like you out there willing to risk your life to protect us

william rykowski
None

March 27, 2021

Thinking of you today Fred , as I always do , 47 years ago today , I was 16 , I’m now almost 64 , still miss you so much , you will never be forgotten , you were the best big brother to me . Words cannot even begin to express my heartache and pain , It never gets easier , of course you cope , you deal with it , you live with it , but you never get over it , it’s still hard to accept it . My memory of you will never fade , you served your country in Vietnam Nam , came home wounded , received a Purple Heart , survived the war , but not home , protecting the citizens of Baltimore City , You will always be my hero , and you will never be forgotten by me .

Jeannie Buchman , sister
Your little sister , Jeannie

April 6, 2020

Thinking of you Fred as I always do , my big brother , my hero , I miss you so much , today would have been my 26 th wedding anniversary but I became a widow just shy of my 25 th anniversary . My son , your nephew that you never got to meet will be 25 next month . He is so like you , looks like you , and is compassionate and kind like you . I wanted anyone that is interested that a bench was installed at Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens in your honor in 2018 . You were honored at the Fallen Heroes Day 2018 which is held every first Friday in May . Your bench is to the left of a beautiful tree that blooms purple every spring and is directly across the the Fallen Heroes Memorial . It’s right next to the pond and at the curb where the color guard passes in front of you every year , to the right of the tree is where I buried my husband , who was retired from the fire dept . and will be my family plot as well . I so wanted to make sure you will never be forgotten and be remembered forever in a place of honor , you were a Veteran of the Vietnam war , Purple Heart , and gave the Ultimate Sacrifice to the Baltimore City Police Department . You always cared about people as you cared about me , I was honored to be your little sister and you were the best brother ever . You will be remembered forever .

Regenia Buchman Baumgart
Sister

January 14, 2020

Rest in peace Officer Buchman.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 5, 2019

Norm, I sure you are enjoying Heaven. You earned it due to your honesty and morals.
After the shooting, or what I would call an assasination, I went to the hospital and saw them bring you in. It was obvious that you were already in Gods hands.
We hand coffee earlier that day and what I remember was your smile.
God Bless you Norm. I think of you often.
JB

Jim Birch
Baltimore City Police

July 3, 2018

Officer Buchman,
On today, the 44th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army in Vietnam. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

April 6, 2017

While doing our family tree, I found your story. I cannot state how proud I am of you, my cousin, for your military and police services. To sacrifice for the safety of everyone else is a true hero. Your 'branch' on our family tree is one of honor and pride. You will always be in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers as a cherished family member.

Donna Tittle
cousin

September 12, 2015

Thinking of you as I always do , today would have been your 67 th. birthday. Not a day goes by that I am missing you. You were my best friend and the greatest big brother a sister could ever have. I will never let you be forgotten. I will remember you always. Even though I was only 16 when you were killed in the line of duty , I will soon be turning 60 , but I will always be your little sister that has many memories because you were always there for me. You were and always will be my hero. I miss you so much. Very proud of you serving our country in Vietnam and truely caring about the citizens in Baltimore City as our grandfather also did. So proud !
I love you ! From your much older now , but always your little sister.xoxo.

Jeannie Buchman Baumgart
Little sister

September 6, 2015

It's been many years since I spoke with you on the parking lot at the Station. I have thought about you these many years. Miss you old friend. We were side partners when you worked the 4x12 shift. I worked the 611 car and we backed each other up many times. RIP Brother

Patrolman J. C. Vanetta (former)
Balto. City PD NW District

August 12, 2013

Officer Buchman, I know that wherever you are, you are in a good place, and were truly a hero. I know that you went to work one day, like so many do, sacrificed your life to protect so many, and never came home. You were a mere 24 years old, a father, and a husband. I am a woman from a family of police officers, so I have the utmost respect for the police. I want you to know that I am a friend of your daughter, who by the way, is a wonderful person whom you would be very proud of. She told me a little of your passing, and I felt that I needed to come onto this site and pay my respects to you, your family, and the Baltimore City Police Department. God Bless Your Soul, and keep your fellow officers safe.

Casey Donaldson
Friend of your daughter

August 9, 2013

It was 40 years ago today that a part of me died too , I will never be the same , you were and will always be my hero. I was 16 when you were killed in the line of duty , I was at my high school pitching my best softball game ever , you taught me my sports , you made me practice , you were supposed to meet me there that day but you never made it , I just thought you had a late call but I was still looking for you. I didn't know until I got home , my street was filled with Baltimore city police cars , but we lived in Baltimore County. I was told on my front lawn , the exact same place you would help me pitch , not far from the front door where we were told several years earlier that you were wounded in Vietnam. The yard we grew up playing in , and told you were shot 6 times in the head and died on another lawn in the neighborhood you patrolled to keep people safe . You gave your life to protect and I know you would have done it again . That's what police officers do , they serve and protect , even if it costs them their life. They do not do it for the money , they do it because they care. I always was and am so very proud of you as I have the upmost respect for every police officer that leaves their family everyday and not know if they would return. I so want to thank every officer and their families for their ultimate sacrifices they have made. I truely am sorry for your loss.

Jeannie Buchman Baumgart
Little Sister

April 6, 2013

Everyday before roll call I'll sit in my seat in NWD and look at the 5 plaques on the wall. Frederick Buchman's is on the right. The plaque lists a DOB, EOD, and EOW. You do the math in your head and realize he was 24 years old. He's your age. He worked and died in your sector, hell, on the very post you're going to work that day. You probably would have been friends.

People start to filter into the roll call room. As people show up we'll start joking around, talk about the late call someone got stuck on last night, or just trying to enjoy the last few moments of peace before hitting the streets. I imagine roll call on April 6, 1973 was similar.

Roll Call starts. You get the updates on crime, who's wanted, what hotspots you have to hit today. Shift change on the lot and away you go. You push Frederick Buchman and John Phelan and Arthur Malinofsky to the back of your mind for a few hours, back until roll call the next day. But you never really let them drift too far from your mind.

I wish there was a better way of doing this but I just wanted to send my condolences to the family on this most solemn of anniversary's and let them know we still care and it's still personal.

Anonymous Police Officer
BPD NWD

April 6, 2013

I met your sister at the funeral of a Harford County Deputy this week. She told me your story. I thank you and your family for your sacrifice.

Cathy Pilachowski
Mother and Mother in Law of Deputies in Harford County Sheriff's Offic

September 14, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 39th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

I pray for the solace of all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace today. Thanks to your friends for sharing their memories and devotion to you through their reflections.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

April 7, 2012

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

April 6, 2010

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

Pat Van Den Berghe
MANCHESTER, NH

April 7, 2008

May you always rest in peace and know that you will never be forgotten.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

April 6, 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 7, 2007

Fred,
I still miss you and think about you often.I wonder if I would have stayed on the Department had you not been killed. You and Cheryl were made for each other and I still remember going over your apartment. I'm sorry I couldn't be there when you needed me most. I still can see your family as they notified them of your death.
I pray that one day you and I will see each other again.

CSM Dave Corkran
BPD officer/ childhood friends

January 26, 2007

Officer Buchman,

Thank you for your service for you have paid the ulitimate sacrafice. We have your watch from here. Rest in peace BLUE ANGEL!

Police Officer

January 24, 2006

My Brothers and Sisters, we have all sworn to perform our duties, impartially and without hesitation or fear. Our present duty, and though it be painful, is to pay a just and deserving tribute of honor to a Brother who has embarked upon that lone journey which leads through the valley of the great shadow into the sunlight of perpetual day and lasting tranquility.
These feeble but heart-felt words can do little more than remind us of the duty which we owe to our departed friend and colleague.
As he was ever faithful to us in the full performance of his task and the protection of those who slept, so let us be, my Brothers, faithful to him, ever zealous to protect and cherish the memory of his good deeds, forgetting his imperfections, and emblazoning his accomplishments.
As time runs on, in sun and shade, may we bear with us ever-pleasant memories of a hallowed friendship, a kindly feeling, and a deep respect for all our Brother stood for. As an indication of our regard and affection, let us pause and, in silent meditation, typify what mere words cannot express.
Let us pray:
Almighty God, be with us on this occasion. Strengthen us in a firm resolve to do right, to serve well, to be faithful to our tasks, to our community, and to our Brothers. Make us appreciative of the opportunities to do good and to lend a helping hand. Inspire us with a new devotion to fulfill the duties, which are entrusted to our keeping. May those who mourn be comforted in this sad hour, and may they be strengthened by the knowledge of Thy presence and Thy omnipotence.
May we be constantly reminded in the hours of the night, as well as in the brightness of the day, of Thy everlasting love and kindness, and may Thou guide us through this uncharted valley and bring us at last to the shore of the eternal stream, our ranks unbroken, to dwell with Thee forever more. We ask this humbly through Thy redeeming grace and power. Amen.

Ret. Officer William Hackley
Baltimore Police

December 16, 2005

~Christmas In Heaven~
I've had Christmas in heaven;
A glorious, wonderful day!
I stood with saints of the ages,
Who found Christ the Truth and the Way.
I sang with the heavenly choir;
Just think! I, who longed so to sing!
And oh, what celestial music
We brought to our Savior and King!
We sang the glad songs of redemption,
How Jesus to Bethlehem came
And how they had called His name Jesus,
That all might be saved through His name.
We sang once again with the angels,
The song that they sang the blest morn,
When shepherds first heard the glad story
That Jesus, the Savior, was born.

O, Darling, I wish you had been here;
No Christmas on earth could compare
With all the rapture and glory
We witnessed in Heaven so fair.
You know how I always loved Christmas;
It seemed such a wonderful day
With all of my loved ones around me;
The children so happy and gay.

Yes, now I can see why I loved it;
And oh, what a joy it will be
When you and my loved ones are with me
To share in the glories I see.
So, Dear Ones on earth, here's my greeting;
Look up till the day dawn appears
And oh, what a Christmas awaits us,
Beyond all our partings and tears!

Ret. Officer William Hackley
Baltimore Police

December 7, 2005

We ask Thy blessings and eternal rest to all our brothers and sisters
Who have sacrificed their very lives in the performance of
their duties. Give their loved ones the peace and
Strength to bear the anguish of their loss. Remove all
resentment from their hearts, knowing that eternal
peace and rest will abide their departed loved ones
forever. This we beg, Thy name forever and ever,
Amen.

Ret. Officer William Hackley
Baltimore Police

November 21, 2005