The Commonwealth of Massachusetts recently held its annual Law Enforcement Memorial ceremony, commemorating thirteen fallen officers. Among those added to the memorial were Massachusetts State Police Trooper Tamar A. Bucci and Metropolitan Police Sergeant Harold J. Collins.
Trooper Bucci was tragically killed in the line of duty on March 4, 2022. Her vehicle was struck by a tanker truck on Interstate 93 as she attempted to assist a motorist. In contrast, Sergeant Collins passed away at age 92 from post-polio syndrome, contracted years earlier from saving a young girl from drowning.
In May 2022, Middlesex Community College posthumously honoured Trooper Bucci by awarding her a certificate in criminal and social justice, according to Mass Live. Provost Arlene Rodríguez described Bucci's dedication to her dream of becoming a police officer before leaving college to pursue it.
To honor Trooper Bucci's memory, the Massachusetts State Police in April 2022 the Unity Basketball League for Girls was launched, named after her the Trooper Tamar Bucci Unity Basketball League for Girls. The league provides young girls from Brockton, West Bridgewater, and Foxborough an opportunity to compete on teams coached by state police troopers.
Sergeant Collins's life-saving act resulting in his later health complications are ingrained in his service record. His name on the Memorial ensures that his courageous acts will not be forgotten. His impact will live on through those who follow in his path.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Maura Healey drew upon the heroic dedication of the thirteen officers added to the Memorial. She shared her experience of attending Trooper Bucci's graduation from the MSP's 85th Recruit Training Troop in 2020.
As those lost are honoured at the Memorial, located at Ashburton Park outside the State House, we reflect on law enforcement officers' sacrifices. Law enforcement officers' dedication to their communities is paramount, and ceremonies like these are critical in paying tribute to their service.
The remembrances of Trooper Bucci and Sergeant Collins serve as reminders of the bravery and dedication it takes to secure the community's safety and security. Continually, we remember those that have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty and press ahead to honour their legacy.
