Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

'VERY DISAPPOINTING': CLINTON NC FAMILY'S PLEA TO NAME LOCAL BRIDGE AFTER FALLEN POLICE OFFICER VOTED DOWN IN CITY COUNCIL

Posted on Friday, October 9, 2020
WTVD NEWS

CLINTON, N.C. (WTVD) -- A Clinton family's mission to honor their fallen loved one in blue was voted down during a Tuesday evening city council meeting, leaving the family disappointed and eager to try again.

Clinton Police Department Officer Donald Ray Tucker was shot and killed in the line of duty on Nov. 14, 1991. The officer had only been a part of the department for a little over a year.

Since Officer Tucker's death, CPD has created a memorial in front of the headquarters with his name carved in it and a picture of him inside their department. With the 30th anniversary almost a year away, Officer Tucker's brother, Reginald Tucker, has started pushing for the city to name a nearby bridge after him.

"He was the best, people think I'm biased about it, but he was one of the best brothers you could have," Reginald said.

The family enlisted the help of Councilman Daniel Ruggles, who presented the resolution to have the bridge on U.S. 421 over N.C. 24 be named after Officer Tucker. During a Tuesday evening city council meeting, the resolution was voted into the agenda where it needed to have a unanimous vote to pass.

"I think the bridge is a fitting memorial for him and he deserves it," Ruggles said.

Unfortunately, for Tucker's family, the resolution failed with Councilmen Neal Strickland and Holden Dubose voting against it.

Reginald was at the meeting and had a chance to speak on the resolution, telling council members it would help unite the community and let more people recognize his brother's sacrifice.

"It was very disappointing that something so simple that should've been passed wasn't passed," Reginald said.

In the meeting, Mayor Lew Starling noted he wanted a proper approach to this procedure where the item wasn't just introduced during the meeting. Meanwhile, Councilman Strickland noted concerns of setting a precedent where they would need to start having honorary designations for all city employees.

"That was more a slap in the face. How can you compare, how can you compare a public works employee to a police officer?" Tucker asked.

Councilman Ruggles tells Eyewitness News the NCDOT project wouldn't cost the city a single penny and would not affect the name of the current freeway.

Despite the resolution failing, Tucker is still hoping he can see his brother's name over the bridge by Nov. 14, 2021.

Councilman Ruggles says the growing community support for the name designation should help get the process started back up.

Retired Police Officer
NYPD

October 10, 2020

I never met you but I have read countless articles on your bravery, professionalism, and sacrifice. I reflect on your story almost daily as I walk past your photograph just outside my office. God Bless You, "Hero". We will never forget your sacrifice.

Assistant Chief Anthony Davis
Clinton Police Department

May 15, 2020

I have not forgotten you.

Paul Branaman
Retired Deputy Sheriff
Craven County Sheriff's Dept.
New Bern, NC

December 23, 2019

Rest in peace Officer Tucker.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 2, 2019

Donald Tucker

You had what it takes to stay in law enforcement. I did serve briefly but had another calling. You served proud and did the tucker family proud. I wish the family well and peace. I was just going through the pages and noticed that we have lost a lot of Tuckers over the years. Peace to all my brothers and sisters of the shield be safe out there.

James Tucker

February 27, 2012

Donald Ray was, despite his youth, one of the finest officers it has ever been my privilege to know. He loved his community, his family, and law enforcement, and hated drugs. nearly 20 years later, I still recall the way he cocked his head when he smiled, and the games of "hide and seek" on the streets of Clinton when the all-night patrols were quiet. RIP, Donald Ray.

Columnist Jefferson Weaver
The Pender Post

May 16, 2011

I am thinking about you today. I have thought about you many days. Although our friendship was brief, you made such an impression on me that it still remains to this day. I still remember your smile. I still remember your look when you knew I was up to something. I remember your kindness. I remember your nature "to protect" although I never knew you were an officer. I remember THAT DAY (I could not breathe). I remember your viewing. I remember your mother and your lady. I remember their pain. I knew you as the wonderful person you were and I cry when I remember how it was all taken away. Yes, although it has been many years, I still remember......Love to you and all your family

Missing You Still

August 23, 2010

I was just thinking about you the other day... Its been a long since your untimley death. Just wanted to say that I missed you and that smile of yours.. I know you're watching over us. Gone but not forgotten

Anonymous

August 5, 2009

Fallen long ago, but Never forgotten.
R.I.P Officer Tucker.

Sgt Jean Paul Rochat
Swiss Army, MP-Service, Traffic Unit

July 22, 2009

Hey, Donald. We still miss you. You were a true friend. I remember trying hard to steer you away from Narcotics and into the federal prison system. You died doing what you enjoyed. My prayer is to meet you in heaven. I know that is where you are. I love you, Brother.

GS 11 Michael Lockamy
Federal Bureau of Prisons

September 1, 2008

Donald, you are remembered and missed. You died doing what we narc's do. Thank you for your service. Rest in peace my friend!!!

Tony Keller Lt. Retired

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

December 26, 2007

Officer Tucker Rest in Peace my brother and thank you for your service .

To Clinton's Parents
I want to thank you for the words you provided to Joshua Norris EOW 7/5/07 who was to be my son in-law, they touched my daughter and has helped my family during a dark time. My daughter had a general idea of how large our police family was, but your reflection showed just how large the family of blue is. I know it has been some time since your son has left these earthly bonds, but my prayers are with you

Deputy John Latour
Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office

December 19, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

November 30, 2007

Officer Tucker:

Thank You for serving the Carolinas.

You died while doing the one job in law enforcement that I went so far to avoid, that I began doing radio shows, just so my voice would be recognizable - making me no good for UC assignments.

May You Rest-In-Peace.

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

November 14, 2007

Thank you for your service to your fellowman. Rest in peace my brother.

State Constable J.L. Green
S.C. State Constables

November 14, 2006

Fallen long ago, but NEVER forgotten.

Joanie
Mother, daughter, sister, and granddau. of LEO's

November 2, 2006

Donald Ray,
I finally took time to stop by your page. I know that heaven is really safe being there are law enforcements officers I know there. Please take care of Phil for me. I know you guys are doing a great job patroling.
Always know in my heart that each time I see a squad car I think of you. You made us proud serving the town. We'll meet again one day and I'll be able to see your gorgeous smile.
I love and miss you!
Your lil' cousin whose grown up now.

Anitra Howard Owens Wilson
Survivor/cousin

October 16, 2006

To the family and friends of Officer Donald Ray Tucker, his fellow officers , and most especially to Officer Tucker:

On this the fourteenth anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your valor and dedication are not forgotten. Your memory is still revered for your heroic acts that culminated in your brutal murder.
I am so saddened that you were killed at such a young age. I know that was a tremendous blow to your father.

May your family continue to be supported by their law enforcement family, and other police survivors.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the service Officer Tucker gave to his community and the citizens of North Carolina, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on November 14, 1991.


Phyllis L. Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD eow 4/24/05 (Larry & I were NC natives too)

November 14, 2005

God bless you for your service and sacrifice. You are a true hero for your actions.

DE
St. Louis City Police

July 27, 2005

Rest in Peace Officer Tucker. We've got the watch now. We are all saddened by your death and you will not be forgotten. Godspeed

A Fellow Brother in Blue

PSO R. Erwin
Watauga DPS, TX

March 10, 2005

Your earthly loss is heaven's gain... say hello to my Auntie Maude and brother 'Rell who also made heaven a better place in 2004....

I'm Having the Time of My Life

I'm having the time of my life now, the battle is almost won

My faith is strong and my conscience is clear, and I've only begun.

To know the peace He has promised me, the joy of a job well done.

And I count my blessings along the way, And I thank Him for everyone.

I'm having the time of my like right now.

For I never thought I'd ever be given a second chance such as The Lord has given me,

To see with clearer eyes then I have ever seen before.

To know when I knock, HIS Hand will open the door.

How like a dream my old life seems, So far within the past I've traded

foolish fantasies for the things that I will know will last.

And I am strong within His strength, and precious in His sight,

Accepting all He sends, Because His ways are always right.

I'm having the time of my life right now.

Because I've learned to share everything with GOD, each minute I am here.

For He alone can read my heart. And He knows what is in my heart, and within me.

And He makes all things wonderful, because He is my friend!

March 8, 2005

~~~To those I Love and Those Who Love Me~~~

When I am gone, release me, Let me go
I have so many things to see and do.
You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears,
Be happy that we had so many years.

I gave you my love, you can only guess
How much you gave to me in happiness.
I thank you for the love you each have shown,
But now it's time I traveled alone.

So grieve a while if indeed you must
Then let your grief be comforted by trust.
It's only for a while that we must part
So bless the memories within your heart,

I won't be far away, for life goes on
So if you need me, call and I will come
Though you can't see or touch me, I'll be near
And if you listen with your heart, you'll
Hear all of my love around you soft and clear

And when you must come this way alone,
I'll greet you with a smile and say,
"Welcome Home"

January 20, 2005

I stop by this website often after the death of two dear friends with the NCSHP (Troopers Calvin Taylor E.O.W. October 3, 2001 and Anthony Cogdill E.O.W. May 30, 2003).

We all grieve over the lives lost in the line of duty. I hope you can find some comfort knowing that there are countless prayers that go out for your family.

These are senseless tragedies that never seem to stop. God Bless the men and women who continue to serve their communities in our great Nation.

...Gone, but never Forgotten....

Marti (EMT-Paramedic)
Haywood Co EMS (NC)

April 5, 2004

"He who has a thousand friends has not a friend to spare ."

332 U WILL NOT BE FORGOTEN

CLINTON POLICE DEPARTMENT

WSG

SCOTT GRANTHAM
CLINTON POLICE DEPARTMENT

September 15, 2003