Roll of Honor
Incident
Police Officer Michael Buczek was shot and killed when he and his partner attempted to arrest two suspects on a drug charge in an apartment building at 580 West 161st Street in Washington Heights. One of the suspects shot Officer Buczek while attempting to run from the scene. Three suspects fled to the Dominican Republic where one later died in police custody and a second was apprehended by United States Marshals in 2000. The third suspect was apprehended in the Dominican Republic in May 2002. On June 19th, 2003, two of the suspects were sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. Officer Buczek had served with the New York City Police Department for over three years. He was survived by his wife, parents, and his sister. A baseball field, park, and elementary school have all been named in his honor.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, parents, and his sister.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NY-02261F4E- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Buczek gave the New York City Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the New York community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Buczek.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer Michael J. Buczek is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In NY, 754 of 2,147 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 35.1% of this state's fallen. That is 19.1 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At New York City Police Department, 382 of 1237 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 30.9% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Michael J. Buczek's cause is highlighted.
How Michael J. Buczek Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Michael J. Buczek is highlighted in Oct.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Michael J. Buczek was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1,236 officers from New York City Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
