STONEHAM, Mass. — Dozens of Police officers and Massachusetts troopers saluted a procession late Friday night for State trooper Tamar Bucci who was killed in the line of duty.
State Police Trooper Tamar Bucci, 34, died when her cruiser was struck by a tanker truck on Interstate 93 northbound in Stoneham just before midnight Thursday.
As a procession of cruisers escorted the trooper’s body to the medical examiner’s office, where dozens of officers lined the streets to honor the sacrifice of a woman who dedicated her life to public service.
State police say Trooper Bucci’s body is set to be escorted to Barile Funeral Home in Stoneham around 3 p.m. Saturday. Funeral arrangements have not been announced.
State Police said Trooper Tamar Bucci, 34-year-old, was helping a motorist on the side of the highway at approximately 11:45 p.m. Thursday evening when the tractor-trailer struck her cruiser.
The force of the impact from the truck pushed her cruiser, which has its blue lights activated, off the roadway in the stone wall next to the breakdown lane. Two good Samaritans who were passing by in their vehicles stopped and pulled the trooper from the damaged cruiser.
A Stoneham Police officer who was in the area performed CPR before Bucci was rushed to Mass General Hospital where she was pronounced dead. The scene was still very active Friday morning as crews worked to tow the vehicles from the roadway. As of 9 a.m. Friday morning all lanes are open on I-93 Northbound.
“The department is devastated by our loss. We are eternally grateful for the attempts of everyone involved to assist Trooper Bucci and try to save her life,” Mass. State Police Department Col. Christopher Mason said.
The driver of the tanker truck was not injured and is cooperating with the police. The woman who was in the breakdown lane was transported to a local area hospital for evaluation.
Bucci was assigned to the Medford barracks of the Massachusetts State Police Department. She graduated as a member of the 85th training troop in 2020.
Before Bucci joined the Massachusetts State Police she was employed as a security officer at Encore Casino and had worked as a personal trainer.
“We, at Encore Boston Harbor, were deeply saddened to wake up to the news of this terrible tragedy. Our sincerest sympathies and condolences go out to State Trooper Bucci’s family and loved ones,” Encore Boston Harbor told Boston 25 News in a statement.
Bucci is a graduate of Middlesex Community College and Andover High School. She is survived by her parents, sisters, a step-brother and a step-sister and by her “second family” the 2,000 members of the Massachusetts State Police.
Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker responds to this tragedy saying he has ordered the flags at all state buildings to be lowered to half-staff in Trooper Bucci’s honor.
“There is no greater sacrifice than giving your life in service of others. Trooper Tamar Bucci embodied the best of the Massachusetts State Police, and her loss is devastating to her loved ones, the Commonwealth and her brothers and sisters in blue,” said Gov. Baker.
State Troopers lined the streets and halls of Mass General Hospital where trooper Bucci was later pronounced dead.
“Our hearts are with the family and loved ones of Trooper Tamar Bucci as they grieve her tragic death. We join the Massachusetts State Police and all her fellow troopers in mourning her devasting loss,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy. “Trooper Bucci made the ultimate sacrifice and will always be remembered for her legacy of protecting and serving others. Her passing is a solemn reminder of the risks and dangers our law enforcement community faces every day; we owe them our deepest gratitude.”
The investigation into the crash remains ongoing.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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