Holly MatkinCarroll County, TN – Centerville Assistant Police Chief Tim “Buck” Buchanan passed away on Sunday, when he succumbed to extensive injuries he suffered in an off-duty, head-on collision the day prior.
The fatal incident occurred at approximately 8:45 a.m. on Saturday, as Chief Buchanan and a passenger were traveling eastbound on Interstate 40 in his 2013 Ford F-150, the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) told WSMV.
As they neared mile marker 120, a westbound 2009 Nissan Maxima crashed into the wall of a bridge, then spun out of control and crossed over the median.
The Maxima, driven by 34-year-old Corey Mason, slammed into Chief Buchanan’s vehicle head-on.
The passenger in the chief’s vehicle was injured, and no details regarding that person’s condition were provided.
Mason and Chief Buchanan both died as a result of the violent collision.
“In the early hours of February 24th, [Chief Buchanan] passed away from his injuries, leaving behind his loving family, not only at home, but at our police department,” the Centerville Police Department (CPD) said in a Facebook post on Monday night.
“We lost an irreplaceable leader and veteran of our department. Our hearts are broken,” the post read. “An entire community, which he loved and cherished, will forever feel that void.”
Chief Buchanan spent over three decades working as a law enforcement officer in the state of Tennessee, according to his obituary.
During that time, he served with the Tennessee Department of Corrections, the Hickman County Sheriff’s Office, and the CPD.
He spent the last seven years of his career serving as the CPD’s assistant chief.
Chief Buchanan went out of his way to see the best in everyone, and treated people as if he had known them for years, the CPD said.
“May he continue to love, laugh, prank, and find the goodness in mankind in heaven, where there is no doubt he is at this very moment,” the agency’s post read. “Please pray for his family, our department and our community during this time of our loss, and be thankful that we had the opportunity to have this extraordinary man in our lives. He will forever be in our thoughts and hearts.”
The Hickman County Emergency Management also released a statement on its Facebook page.
“While on duty or off, this man was dedicated to service, uplifting the human spirit though laughter and being there when needed,” the post read. “A true guardian angel and friend for the town of Centerville.”
Chief Buchanan leaves behind his wife of 18 years, Beverly, as well as his daughter, mother, sisters, brother, two grandsons, nieces, nephews, and many friends and extended family members, according to his obituary.
He was laid to rest on Tuesday.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Centerville Assistant Police Chief Tim “Buck” Buchanan, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.