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Incident
Patrolman Frank Buczek was shot in the back of the head and killed while working a special detail in a church parking lot at West 6th and Liberty Streets. It is thought that he was ambushed from behind and his service weapon stolen. He was killed just two blocks away from where Patrolman Robert Perry was killed on July 1, 1970. Two suspects were arrested, members of the Plainfield, New Jersey Black Panther Party. Suspects later became members of the Black Liberation Arm. Both were acquitted at trial. He had served with the agency for 24 years and was survived by his wife and three children. He was six months away from retirement.
Survivors
He had served with the agency for 24 years and was survived by his wife and three 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
24 years. You could have gone home.
Patrolman Buczek gave the Plainfield Police Division 24 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Plainfield community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Buczek.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Plainfield Police Division has lost 4 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
Frank is one of 264 officers killed feloniously in NJ, 40.8% of the 647 remembered there.
Frank is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Frank is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1971, 4 officers in NJ were killed feloniously, the 13th heaviest of 101 years on record. The heaviest was 2001, with 39.
In 1971, 168 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 18th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1971, 181 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 19th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Frank was 51. Of the 247 killed feloniously in NJ whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 47; the middle age was 38. Frank had served 24 years; the middle length of service was 9 years.
Frank was 51. 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. Frank had served 24 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Frank was 51. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Frank had served 24 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 23.9% of these deaths in NJ, more than any other month. Saturdays: 10.2%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 4 deaths at Plainfield Police Division. The weapon recorded was gun, in 25% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 40.8% of all 647 deaths in NJ, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 12.9% 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 gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Plainfield Police Division has 4 officers remembered here, Frank among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 40-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Plainfield Police Division are honored on badge.nw.
