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Incident
Officer Richard Buckner was killed in an on-duty automobile accident on Highway 31 and the Route 65 exit while responding to an emergency call at 3:30 am. As he crested a small hill, another car turned in front of his patrol car, causing him to take evasive action. His patrol car left the roadway and struck a utility pole. Officer Buckner had served with the Clanton Police Department for five years and also served with the Alabama Department of Corrections.
Survivors
He is survived by his three children and parents.
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.
Officer Buckner gave the Clanton Police Department 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Clanton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Officer Buckner.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Richard is the only officer of Clanton Police Department remembered here.
Richard is one of 182 officers lost to accidents in AL, 28.3% of the 643 remembered there.
Richard is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Richard 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 1991, 2 officers in AL were lost to accidents, the 27th heaviest of 85 years on record. The heaviest was 1970, with 6.
In 1991, 52 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 90th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1991, 62 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 86th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Richard was 39. Of the 160 lost to accidents in AL whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 47.3; the middle age was 36.5. Richard had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Richard 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. Richard had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Richard 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. Richard had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 13.2% of these deaths in AL, more than any other month. Sundays: 18.7%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Sundays: 14%.
July holds 8.9% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Sundays: 14%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Clanton Police Department.
Accident deaths account for 28.3% of all 643 deaths in AL, 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 38-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Clanton Police Department are honored on badge.nw.