Name : Buczek, Michael 

Rank: P.O.
Shield #: 28 Command: 034 Pct.
Date of Death: 1988-10-18   Cause of Death: Shot-Investigation
     
 On October 18, 1988, at 9:45 P.M. Police Officer Michael Buczek and his partner, Police Officer Barbato, responded to a call for service on West 161st in the 34th Precinct, Manhattan. After completing the assignment, the officers saw suspicious men loitering near the building. When approached by the offices, they fled. As the officers followed them, one of the suspects pulled out a gun and fired shots that wounded Police Officer Buczek in the chest. Officer Barbato returned fire and then returned to his fallen partner, rendering aid to him. Police Office Buczek was taken to Columbia Presbyterian Hospital where he died a short time later. He was 24 years old.

The suspects fled to the Dominican Republic where one later died in police custody and a second was apprehended by U.S. Marshals in 2000. The third suspect was apprehended in the Dominican Republic in May 2002.

Fifteen years after the shooting, Pablo Almonte, 51, and Jose Fernandez, 52, received the maximum sentence, 25 years to life, for their roles in the murder of Officer Michael Buczek. Daniel Mirambeaux, the alleged shooter, died in June 1989, plunging to his death under mysterious circumstances after he was ordered turned over to the United States.


Note: Officers Michael Buczek and Christopher Hoban are killed within 3 hours of each other in separate shootings in Manhattan. This was the first time in NYPD history two officers were killed in separate incidences on the same day.   
 
     
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Comments from Friends    
     
Upon graduation of the New York City Police Department Academy I was assigned to N.S.U. #5 in Harlem. I was fortunate enough to meet Michael Buczek who was assigned to the 34th Pct., he was one of the few "Veteran" officers who would actually take the time out to speak to a new Officer. He actually helped me print one of my first arrests. One day while assigned to a foot post in the confines of the 34th Pct. Officer Buczek threw me a "bone" (a rather large narcotics arrest) and when I asked was he sure he wanted to give away such a good collar he looked at me and smiled while raising up his jacket to reveal a firearm in his waist band and said "Don't worry I already have a collar" Officer Buczek is an inspiration to all for his outstanding arrest activity and bravery with yet such a humble and modest approach. He truely inspired me personally with our common bonds of Polish heritage and hard work ethic. Although he is not with us in body his spirit will live on and hopefully inspire future generations of young Officers who wanna enforce the Law proactively. Thanks Police Officer Michael Buczek
— Walter Wasilewski
Rest in Peace
— Anthony
I met Mike when he was assigned to the 34th pct. We worked out of the same squad. Mike and his partner Joe were dubbed as the killer Bees because of thier last names beginning with the letter "B". We worked opposite sectors. They were assigned to sector Charlie and my partner Al was assigned to sector Boy. We responded to eachothers Jobs frequently. Mike was a great cop and a wonderful individual. He had a great heart. When he died I met one of the neiborhood residents who was crying and she offered to tell me a Heart felt story about Mike. You see she was a heavy drug abuser. A Crack head as is known in the area. She told me that Mike offered to buy her daughter an easter clothing but she had to promise him that all of the money that he gave her would go to buy clothing for her daughter. Mike gave her the money and she bought a beautiful dress daughter and shoes. Karen as she was known oion the neighborhood wanted me to know what type of person mike was and how he treated people who were less fortunate. I informed karen that I already knew, I had the opportunity of working with him and seeing how fair and honest he was. Mike is missed. The Kid with the big heart from Wayne NJ.
— Carl Gibson (Gibby)
rest in peace.
— sjs
Posted: November 7, 2006, 7:25 am
I met mike when I joined the Police Department. We were both in the same company in the academy. Mike knew how to make everyone laugh. He was full of energy and was fun to be around. I consider it an honor and privilege to have gone through the academy together. You are a true hero. May you rest in peace. Ret. Det. Thomas Drogan
— Thomas Drogan
Posted: April 13, 2007, 11:29 am
Mike was one of the nicest, sincere, gentlemen I have ever met. I will never forget one night talking to him for hours and when he realized I had to drive to West Milford from Wanaque at that hour, he insisted following me all the way home- - to make sure I got home safe. I insured him I do it all the time , but he still insisted. SUre enough he trailed along! A true gentleman and friend. The one that got away!!!
— Lori
Posted: November 9, 2008, 1:33 am
Rest in Peace.
— Nancy Forni
Posted: October 19, 2009, 2:24 pm
How wonderful it is to hear all the lovely comments for Mike.I too had the pleasure of working with Mike & his partner Joe. I remember he smelled a gun on a perp from several blocks away. It was a tragic and terrible event that day and to this day I can remember hearing from my friends radio Joe calling for the 10-13 I was off that day and my friends were working bxtf and was telling me how they responded and transported Chris Hoban to the hospital when the call 10-13 from the 34pct came in. I just stood numb from listening on my phone to his calls... I just get tears thinking about it. I had great times with Mike and everyone else as we were called the breakfast club.(you all know who you are) No matter what we were doing we always met by the water and had our breakfast.
— Maria Santana-Leonard
Posted: December 7, 2009, 9:58 pm
I never had the pleasure of knowing Michael Buczek, as I only recently came to learn of him through my son playing Little League baseball this summer. His team, Greenwich Village LL team played the Michael Buczek LL team for the championship of District 23 this past weekend. I asked one of the young players on the Michael Buczek team who he was, and he told me. The Buczek team won and I wish them all the best of luck for their upcoming games. Their team is talented with good kids and respected coaches. What a wonderful way to honor Michael Buczek, as his name lives on and others learn of him.
— Scott Goodman
Posted: July 20, 2010, 11:13 pm

 

 

Those who bloom in the hearts of others never fade away