Holly MatkinStoneham, MA – Massachusetts State Police (MSP) Trooper Tamar Bucci died in the line of duty Thursday night after a tanker truck crashed into her patrol vehicle as she was trying to help a disabled motorist.
The 34-year-old trooper was attempting to pull onto the shoulder of northbound Interstate 93 near exit 27 just before midnight on March 3 when a tanker truck filled with approximately 10,000 gallons of gasoline crashed into her patrol vehicle, MSP Colonel Christopher Mason said, according to WCVB.
Trooper Bucci had the blue lights of her patrol car activated and was trying to assist a disabled motorist when she was hit.
The tanker truck’s momentum shoved her cruiser off the roadway, Col. Mason said.
Two Good Samaritans jumped out of their vehicles to help pull the gravely-injured trooper from her mangled patrol vehicle.
A Stoneham police officer then performed CPR prior to Trooper Bucci being rushed to Massachusetts General Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries, WCVB reported.
The female driver of the disabled vehicle was transported to the hospital to be evaluated.
The driver of the tanker truck did not suffer any injuries during the collision, WCVB reported.
The MSP said he is cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
Trooper Bucci graduated with the 85th training troop in 2020, WCVB reported.
She was initially assigned to the Brookfield barracks, and was serving with the Medford barracks at the time of her death.
“Late last night, on a stretch of road she protected every night on the midnight shift, Trooper Bucci gave her life in the act of trying to help another person in distress,” Col. Mason said. “There is no greater act of sacrifice than to give one’s life for another.”
Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker said trooper Bucci “embodied the best of the Massachusetts State Police,” WCVB reported.
“Her loss is devastating to her loved ones, the commonwealth and her brothers and sisters in blue,” Baker added.
The governor ordered flags be lowered to half-staff in honor of the fallen trooper.
Trooper Bucci graduated from Andover High School in 2006 and later graduated from Middlesex Community College, WCVB reported.
She worked as a personal trainer and security officer prior to joining the MSP.
“In her brief MSP career, she set an example for all of us to follow. Her life was cut too short, too soon,” Col. Mason said. “Her selfless act embodies the mission of the state police: to help those in need — a mission we will now carry on in her memory.”
State Police Association of Massachusetts Vice President Patrick McNamara said Trooper Bucci was more than just a coworker, The Republican reported.
“She is our sister, and we are heartbroken by this devastating loss to our membership,” McNamara said.
Trooper Bucci leaves behind her parents and siblings, according to WCVB.
This is what a hero looks like. May almighty God bring strength to the family and friends of Trooper Tamar Bucci. My family and I will pray for them and for her grieving colleagues on the Massachusetts State Police. Thank you for your brave service, sister. pic.twitter.com/Hqs5knqyeN
— Tim Whelan (@TRWhelan) March 4, 2022
Trooper Tamar Bucci gave her life in the line of duty last night when her cruiser was struck by a gas tanker as she attempted to drive up to and assist a disabled motorist. We are heartbroken for her loss. pic.twitter.com/xeJUNonVul
— Mass State Police (@MassStatePolice) March 4, 2022
All flags on Boston Police buildings will be lowered to half-staff effective immediately, until further notice, in honor of Massachusetts State Tamar Trooper Bucci who
died tragically last night in the line of duty. pic.twitter.com/nCM7ZM01tG— Boston Police Dept. (@bostonpolice) March 4, 2022
Before Tamar Bucci was a state trooper – she was a personal trainer at this gym in Somerville. They remember when she got into the academy. “Her dream had come true.” Employees here are devastated. @NBC10Boston pic.twitter.com/O6aKyHBwaM
— Abbey Niezgoda NBC10 Boston (@AbbeyNBCBoston) March 4, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Massachusetts State Police Trooper Tamar Bucci, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
