Here I Am: A Tribute to Buck Buchanan

Belmont Abbey College Campus Police Major Terry “Buck” Buchanan began serving his community as a law enforcement officer after graduating from Appalachian State University (1988).  He started his law enforcement career with the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office and then joined the Gastonia Police Department.  In 2000, Buck joined the Charlotte – Mecklenburg Police Department and retired from CMPD in 2018.  However, Buck was not done serving and he decided to continue policing, first at Queens University Police Department, and then at Belmont Abbey College Police Department.

When the Lord said, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”, Buck said “Here am I.  Send me.” (Isaiah 6:8).  Buck answered the call in the most amazing way.  It did not matter who you were or the situation you found yourself in, Buck was a friend when someone needed a friend.  He never met a stranger and he blessed everyone he dealt with.  Students at Belmont Abbey have described him as the “big teddy bear” and many have talked about coming by the office just to spend time with him.  One of Buck’s greatest abilities was his ability to be positive and make everyone around him feel good about themselves.  Friends described Buck as the friendliest person they knew and that his strength was in the way he could “connect” with anyone.

“The world will be a little less bright without someone of his infectious personality to help it shine”, said David Collins, a longtime friend of Buck’s.  If you had the honor of knowing Buck, you know he was one of the most decent, gracious, and caring individuals to know and you were blessed to have known him.  Greg Collins, another friend, said “Buck was the officer you wanted to respond when your family needed help. Always treating everyone with respect.”

What happened on July 5, 2021, was a victory  for Buck, but it was a loss for those who love him. Buck is now exploring the presence of God — just ahead of the rest of us.  We will see you again brother and we have the watch until we meet again.

Officer Terry “Buck” Buchanan was promoted to Major posthumously.

Services to remember Buck will take place at City Church, 3100 City Church St., Gastonia, NC, 28056, Saturday, July 10th. Receiving family and friends 1 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. with services beginning at 3 p.m.

May God grant him eternal rest.

— Andy Leonard, Chief of Police, Belmont Abbey College Police Department