Thousands mourn, honor State Police Trooper Tamar Bucci

  A sea of blue surrounded St. Anthony’s Church on Wednesday morning as more than 2,000 police officers from across the state and beyond joined family and friends to help lay State Trooper Tamar Bucci to rest. Bucci, 34, was killed on Thursday, March 3, when a tanker truck collided with her cruiser on Interstate 93 in Stoneham.

  Six female State Troopers who were in Bucci’s academy class served as pallbearers. Governor Charlie Baker, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito and Attorney General Maura Healey were among those standing near the entrance of the church as the procession made its way inside.

  Bucci’s stepfather, Jim Burditt, delivered one of the eulogies, remembering Bucci as a loving person who was both down to earth and in touch with a spiritual side. “She is now protecting all of us from above, and I am confident that we will continue to feel her presence here on earth,” Burditt said.

  Burditt also spoke of Bucci’s focus and commitment, which was evident even long before she became a State Trooper. “After listening to stories and laughing for hours, it is safe to say that if Tamar didn’t feel what was deep in her soul, she was not going to be 100 percent in; in fact, she was 100 percent out,” Burditt said. “What does that mean? Well, if her sister was driving her in her Barbie Corvette and she wasn’t having fun, she would jump out.

  “But one of the things she did feel deep in her soul was a passion for fitness. She worked out daily, ran a marathon and even did a bodybuilding competition.”

  State Police Colonel Christopher Mason eulogized Bucci as a trooper who had a calling to serve. “The colonel of the State Police has the privilege to speak to recruit classes directly at their graduation exercises,” said Mason. “At what was Tamar’s proudest day, I chose to speak to the 85th Troop Training Group about the responsibility to serve, to place the needs of others above their own, selflessly assist those who are vulnerable, those who are victims or survivors, those who are in need. I submit to you today that Tamar’s actions throughout her career embodied this sentiment far better than my words ever could.”

  State Police Chaplain Father Paul Clifford said that from the beginning of her life Tamar was involved in everything and engaging with everyone with her eyes focused on tomorrow. Clifford said Bucci was wise beyond her years and knew what it meant to serve and live for others. “Thank you for showing us how to be wise and to serve and protect,” said Clifford. “Thank you for reminding us how a light shines within us all.”