As lights flashed from a squad car, Billy and Glenda Tucker looked up as blue balloons went toward the evening sky. It’s been 25 years since they lost their son, Officer Donald Tucker. But it feels like it was just yesterday.

“I try not to bring the tears out and show so much emotion,” his father said. “It hurts.”

Family and community members honored the officer shot and killed during an undercover drug operation on Nov. 14, 1991. The Clinton Police Department (CPD) hosted the 25th anniversary service at Grove Park Church in Clinton.

“It’s a real blessing to know the people came out and supported him,” Billy said.

He said it’s important for people to keep officers in their prayers.

“Every time I talk to one, I always tell them to be careful,” Tucker said about the tough job.

Prior to the balloon release, a 21-gun salute and the playing of Taps, Tucker was remembered inside the church with remarks, musical tributes and the placing of a memorial wreath. The Sampson County native was a 1987 Midway High School graduate and attended Coastal Plain Law Enforcement Academy in Wilson for basic law enforcement training. His first work involved being undercover.

In 1990, Tucker joined the Clinton Police Department as a uniformed officer and assisted the Interagency Drug Enforcement. While with the department, he volunteered his time speaking with young people, warning them about drugs. Later, in 1991, he volunteered with Carteret County as an undercover officer for two months. He later lost his life during an operation in that county.

As a tribute, his officer number 332 has been retired.

After showing condolences to family members, Dr. Marvin Clowney, pastor of Christ Missionary Baptist Church, stressed the importance of community people working together to show strength.

“This job isn’t just theirs,” Clowney said while talking about officers. “They have the badge. They have the gun. But it’s our community that they’re serving. So it’s all of us together making Clinton, North Carolina, and the world, a safer place.”

Clowney spoke about his childhood and how he wanted to be a superhero growing up. After reading the Bible, he wanted to be like the prophet Daniel or Moses, who freed his people from Egypt.

“My desire was to be someone super then I finally realized that the people who change the world don’t have superhuman strength,” Clowney said. “They’re just like you and they’re just like me, but they do things together.”

While speaking about the slain officer, Clowney said it takes traits such as boldness, unselfishness and courage to be an officer like Tucker.

“It’s the selfless people — you, me, all of us — that make the community what it is,” he said. “When there’s more of us realizing that this life is about all of us, then there might just be less Donald Ray Tuckers who need to be memorialized.”

The Donald Ray Tucker Medal of Honor was awarded to his father, mother and son, Antonio. It’s the highest commendation in the police department for officers showing bravery in dangerous incidents involving combat. On behalf of Mayor Lew Starling, Clinton Councilman Steve Stefanovich and Councilwoman Jean Turlington presented a proclamation in memory of Tucker.

Some of the other community members honoring Tucker included Eri’angela Jones, who performed the National Anthem; Pastor Dr. Gary Threatt of Grove Park Baptist Church; the Rev. Marcus Becton, also a City Councilman; the Sampson County 911 Center; and the CPD Color Team. The ceremony was led by Clinton Police Sgt. Alpha Clowney.

Chief of Police Jay Tilley spoke about Tucker’s service and dedication to a dangerous job.

“Too many officers get into the business because it’s fun and exciting,” Tilley said. “That’s not the case with Donald.”

He recognized Tucker’s dedication to his work during one of his first interactions in the 1990s.

“We got to talking and anytime a bunch of cops get together, the first thing they do is start telling war stories,” Tilley said. “Donald really wasn’t interested in that. Donald was more inquisitive about police work.”

Following his death, many spoke about Donald’s goals and other plans as a police officer.

“That’s when I began to realize that Donald Ray Tucker is a cop with a calling,” Tilley said. “Citizens of Clinton have always demanded the best when it comes to the police. Officers here, that work with the police department, they want to be the best. Donald Tucker, that cop with a calling, is that standard we’ve tried to achieve and what the community expects.”

Tilley said Tucker had the distinction of being the first police officer to die in the line of duty and he hopes the last. Tilley finished his remarks by sharing a poem which began with “I’ve never dreamed it would be me,” and ended with “Dear God, let my name be the last.”

“God bless you Donald Tucker,” Tilley said. “Our hero.”

Donald Tucker’s son Antonio and his father Billy accept a Medal of Honor award from the Clinton Police Department.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/web1_Tucker_2.jpgDonald Tucker’s son Antonio and his father Billy accept a Medal of Honor award from the Clinton Police Department. Chase Jordan|Sampson Independent

Local police officers honor Donald Tucker, who was shot and killed on duty in 1991.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/web1_Tucker_3.jpgLocal police officers honor Donald Tucker, who was shot and killed on duty in 1991. Chase Jordan|Sampson Independent

The Clinton Police Department Rifle Team give a 21-gun salute during the 25th anniversary memorial service honoring Donald Ray Tucker, who was killed in the line of duty on Nov. 14, 1991.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/web1_Tucker_4.jpgThe Clinton Police Department Rifle Team give a 21-gun salute during the 25th anniversary memorial service honoring Donald Ray Tucker, who was killed in the line of duty on Nov. 14, 1991. Chase Jordan|Sampson Independent

Clinton Police officers honor fallen officer Donald Tucker on Monday night, the 25th anniversary of his death.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/web1_Tucker_5.jpgClinton Police officers honor fallen officer Donald Tucker on Monday night, the 25th anniversary of his death. Chase Jordan|Sampson Independent

Family and supporters of Donald Tucker release balloons during a memorial service.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/web1_Tucker_8.jpgFamily and supporters of Donald Tucker release balloons during a memorial service. Chase Jordan|Sampson Independent
CPD holds 25th anniversary memorial service for fallen officer

By Chase Jordan

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