Prev
Incident
Officer Buckley was shot and killed after he and an officer responded to a cafe at the intersection of Second and Black Diamond Streets. They were called to investigate reports of a drunk man causing a disturbance and shooting his gun in the cafe.
When Officer Buckley and his partner arrived, Officer Buckley stayed at the front of the business and the other officer went around to the back. As the suspect attempted to flee, he shot and wounded Officer Buckley's partner. He then ran around to the front of the store and shot Officer Buckley in the chest, fatally wounding him.
The suspect fled to a nearby house where he was located the following morning. He was shot and killed during an ensuing shootout.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpyjvbdjybqggx1v388y- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- September 9, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew John. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Officer Buckley served with the Pittsburg Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Pittsburg community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Officer Buckley.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Pittsburg Police Department has lost 3 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 974 officers killed feloniously in CA, 53% of the 1,839 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1935, 10 officers in CA were killed feloniously, the 18th heaviest of 163 years on record. The heaviest was 1970, with 24.
In 1935, 154 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 25th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1935, 156 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 30th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 39. Of the 905 killed feloniously in CA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 43; the middle age was 35.
John was 39. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
John was 39. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
December holds 8.2% of these deaths in CA; October holds the most, 9.3%. Fridays: 15.1%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Fridays: 14.3%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at Pittsburg Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun; .38 caliber, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53% of all 1,839 deaths in CA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .38 caliber, in 0.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .38 caliber, in 0.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .38 caliber, in 0.7% of these deaths.
His people
Pittsburg Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 4-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Pittsburg Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
