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Incident
Officer Michael Buckner was killed in an automobile accident on S.R. 127 while returning from an investigation at approximately 12:50 am.
The department SUV he was driving went off the roadway on a curve two miles north of Decherd.
At the time of the accident, a severe snowstorm caused almost zero visibility. It is believed that the snowstorm, and a large amount of slush on the roadway, were contributing factors.
Officer Buckner had served with the Decherd Police Department for seven years.
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- Added to badge.nw
- 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.
Police Officer Buckner gave the Decherd Police Department 7 years.
Thank you for your service to the Decherd community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Buckner.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Michael is the only officer of Decherd Police Department remembered here.
Michael is one of 191 officers lost to accidents in TN, 24.8% of the 769 remembered there.
Michael is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Michael is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.8% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2005, 3 officers in TN were lost to accidents, the 11th heaviest of 99 years on record. The heaviest was 2000, with 6.
In 2005, 71 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 44th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 2005, 87 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 43rd heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Michael was 39. Of the 183 lost to accidents in TN whose age is recorded, half were between 30.5 and 49; the middle age was 38. Michael had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Michael was 39. 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. Michael had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Michael was 39. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Michael had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
March holds 8.4% of these deaths in TN; September holds the most, 11.5%. Thursdays: 11.5%.
March holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Thursdays: 14%.
March holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Thursdays: 14.2%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Decherd Police Department.
Accident deaths account for 24.8% of all 769 deaths in TN, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.8% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 43-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
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