To All Delegates and Members

April 28, 2003

Fifteen years ago, 24 year-old police officer Michael Buczek of the 34 Precinct was murdered while responding to a call to help an elderly woman at 161st Street. He and his partner came upon a group of men who had just robbed some drug dealers. Officer Buczek and his partner encountered these fleeing felons and as Buczek wrestled with one of the thieves, another shot and killed the young police officer.

The murderers fled to their native Dominican Republic who refused to extradite them to face charges in New York City. The shooter died in a suspicious fall while being held in a Dominican prison.

Ted Buczek, Michael’s father, fought a gallant fight for extradition and with the help of some local politicians managed to get the federal government to threaten to withhold financial aide to the country unless they returned these killers to New York City for trial.

Mr. Buczek succeeded and the trail of the men responsible for his son’s death began today, Monday, April 28th, in Manhattan Supreme Court.

It is important that we show our support for our fallen brother Michael and his family by attending as many sessions of the trial as possible. Please get the word out to all of our members so that we can fill this courtroom with the brother and sister officers of this young, courageous fallen police officer.

Fraternally,

Patrick J. Lynch
President