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Incident
Motorcycle Officer Paul Buckley succumbed to injuries sustained the previous day when his police motorcycle was struck by a delivery truck on Dixie Highway as he assisted the Illinois State Police during a vehicle pursuit.
The state policeman had attempted to stop a vehicle that had run through barriers at a construction zone on Dixie Highway. Officer Buckley joined the pursuit as they chased the vehicle south. Officer Buckley's view was obscured by trees and he did not see the truck as it pulled onto the highway.
He was transported to St. James Hospital in Chicago Heights where he died the following day.
Officer Buckley had served with the Homewood Police Department for four years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three young children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Motorcycle Officer Buckley gave the Homewood Police Department 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Homewood community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Motorcycle Officer Buckley.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Paul is the only officer of Homewood Police Department remembered here.
Paul is one of 354 officers lost to accidents in IL, 26.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
Paul is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Paul is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1920, 3 officers in IL were lost to accidents, the 38th heaviest of 115 years on record. The heaviest was 1927, with 11.
In 1920, 48 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 99th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1920, 66 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 81st heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Paul was 26. Of the 344 lost to accidents in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 45.3; the middle age was 37. Paul had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Paul was 26. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. Paul had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Paul was 26. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Paul had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 11.3% of these deaths in IL, more than any other month. Tuesdays: 11.6%.
October holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Tuesdays: 14.1%.
October holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Tuesdays: 14%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Homewood Police Department. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 100% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 26.9% of all 1,318 deaths in IL, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 7.9% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 6.9% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 5.6% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 62-W
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