SouthCoast Police Departments Show Respect for Fallen State Trooper

A 34-year-old Massachusetts State Trooper was killed in the line of duty Thursday night when she attempted to pull over into the breakdown lane to help a disabled motorist.

Shortly before midnight, Trooper Tamar Bucci was struck and killed on I-93 North in Stoneham by a gasoline tanker carrying a full load of 10,000 gallons of gas. The tanker hit Bucci's cruiser, throwing it off the road. Two civilian good Samaritans raced to pull the trooper from the damaged police car, and Stoneham Police performed emergency CPR. However, Bucci was pronounced dead at Massachusetts General Hospital.

The driver of the tanker truck is believed to be cooperating with the investigation.

Police departments across the SouthCoast expressed their sadness this morning upon learning of the deadly accident.

New Bedford Police changed their profile picture to the "end-of-watch" badge pictured above and posted this message:

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Massachusetts State Police Trooper Tamar Bucci's friends, family, and brothers and sisters. Trooper Bucci gave her life in the line of duty last night after her cruiser was struck by a gas tanker. Rest in peace 💙🖤

Dartmouth Police posted this message on their social media accounts:

Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with Trooper Bucci's family and friends, as well as with the men and women on the Massachusetts State Police.
❤💙🙏🏻🕯

From Marion Police:

The men and women of Marion PD wish to extend our heartfelt sympathies to the family, friends and coworkers of Trooper Tamar Bucci who lost her life in a line of duty automobile accident.

From Fairhaven:

Our hearts ache with Trooper Bucci’s family and comrades of the Massachusetts State Massachusetts State Police.

State Police say the driver of the gasoline tanker was not hurt and has been cooperative in the investigation. No charges have been filed at this time.

The State Police offered a statement about the sacrifice that was made by Trooper Bucci and her family.

Trooper Bucci gave her life in the act of trying to help another person in distress. There is no greater act of sacrifice than to give one’s life for another. She is the 22d member of the Massachusetts State Police to die in the line of duty. Her death is a reminder of the dangers that Troopers and all police officers face on a daily basis to protect society.

Trooper Bucci is survived by her mother and her father, two sisters, a step-sister, and a step-brother.