Wake For Fallen Massachusetts State Police Trooper Tamar Bucci Held In Revere
REVERE (CBS) – Final tributes began Tuesday for fallen Massachusetts State Police Trooper Tamar Bucci, who was killed last week when a tanker truck crashed into her cruiser.
A wake was held at Saint Anthony's church in Revere. Bucci's funeral is scheduled for Wednesday morning at 11 a.m.
An all-female group of troopers carried Bucci's casket from the funeral home in Stoneham to a waiting hearse Tuesday afternoon to start a procession into Revere.
Family members said that ever since she was little, Bucci wanted to be a state trooper. Bucci was determined that accomplish her goal, knowing it was rare for females to do so. Two years ago her dream became a reality.
Law enforcement officers filled the church parking lot, standing ready to pay their respects.
"We've seen people here from all states in the Northeast. It's just a warm comforting feeling for us," said Massachusetts State Police Ret. Det. Lt. Bill Powers. "As sad as this is, and I can't think of a sadder moment, we're all together like a family."
Michelle Meagher, of Stoneham, watched the procession from the funeral home.
"I'm feeling sad for the family, and the state police. They lost one of their own. I'm just here to pay my respects," she said. "When we lose a police officer, we've lost a part of the community."
Judy Buckley attended the wake because her son is a state police trooper. "And his really close friend graduated with her from the academy and 2020 so I came here with my daughter to represent my son," she said.
State Police said there will be road closures in the area both days during the services.
Trooper Bucci was killed in a crash on Friday after she pulled over to help a driver who she thought was in distress.
Bucci was 34 years old. She graduated from Andover High School in 2006 and became a trooper in May 2020. Bucci is survived by her parents, two sisters, a step-brother, and a step-sister.
In her obituary, her family wrote, "Tamar knew how to find joy in difficult times and never hesitated to put herself behind the needs of others."
On Monday, the Boston Bruins held a moment of silence for the fallen trooper before their game against the Los Angeles Kings.
The Bruins Foundation also hosted a 50-50 raffle, with proceeds benefiting Bucci's family.