BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The Bakersfield Police Department is remembering an officer who died in the line of duty 74 years ago Monday.
Officer William Lord Rucker died on July 20, 1952, while on the job.
Rucker was fatally injured when his police motorcycle collided in a near head-on accident with another vehicle, after the driver of the vehicle made a left turn from Oak Street onto Palm Street, striking Rucker.
BPD said Rucker was appointed to the Bakersfield Police Department on May 21, 1949 and served as a motor officer throughout his career in law enforcement.
The department added that Rucker served as a captain in the United States Air Force during World War II before joining the police force.
While in the military, Rucker was shot down and was a prisoner of war for two years, BPD said.
“Rest easy, sir. Thank you for your service and sacrifice,” BPD said in a statement. “You will never be forgotten.”
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