Officer John Buck

Badge Number: 10
1906 - 1933
Shot in the Line of Duty February 27, 1933
Died April 5, 1933

We Honor the Sacrifice He Made

On February 27, 1933, at approximately 2040 hours, Officer John Buck and Officer Clinton Moon were patrolling in the area of Julian Street and North 12th Street in a patrol vehicle. The officers spotted a suspicious vehicle occupied by two males that Officer Buck believed were associated with an armed robbery that occurred the previous night. He ordered the car to pull over at South Market and Post Streets.

Officer Buck approached the vehicle while Officer Moon remained in the driver’s seat of the police car to radio in the stop. Officer Buck reached the passenger side of the car and started to open the passenger door when the passenger fired multiple rounds from a revolver striking Officer Buck. As he was going down, Officer Buck was able to pull the suspect out of the car and onto the ground. Officer Moon then fired at the suspect and struck him several times.

Officer Buck was severely injured and transported to the hospital where he remained for five weeks. Officer Buck died on April 5th, 1933 at 6:25 PM despite lifesaving efforts by doctors.

Officer Buck’s badge was lost at the scene and never recovered.

Officer Buck was the second San Jose Police Officer killed in the line of duty.

We would like to remember Officer John Buck with a moment of silence.