During Tuesday’s City Council meeting, members reflected on the recent passing of Officer William Buechner, a 13 year veteran of the Auburn Police Division who was shot and killed Sunday night.
The Auburn Police Division responded to a domestic-disturbance call Sunday evening, which led to shots being fired at Arrowhead Mobile Park Home. Buechner was killed, and Officer Webb Sistrunk and Officer Even Elliott were also shot but are expected to make a full recovery. A manhunt ensued for several hours Monday morning for the suspect before Grady Wayne Wilks was taken into custody and charged with capital murder.
“Our heart goes out today to the family and loved ones of Officer Will Buechner who was tragically lost Sunday night in the line of duty,” said Councilwoman Beth Witten, reading a release by Mayor Ron Anders, Jr. “Words are not sufficient to express our grief as we mourn the senseless loss of one of our own.”
Anders’ statement also called for community members to pray for Buechner’s family, loved ones, friends, the Auburn Police Division and for a “quick and complete recovery” of Officer Elliott and Officer Sistrunk.
According to an update from city manager James Buston, Officer Sistrunk has been released from the ICU following a surgery at Piedmont Hospital in Columbus, Georgia, and Officer Elliot was released from the hospital the night he was shot. Both officers are expected to make a full recovery.
“Because of the hard work of the men and women of the Auburn Police Division, we can rest knowing that the person who is alleged to be the responsible person for this act is in custody,” Anders’ statement read.
Former Auburn Police Chief and Ward 8 City Councilman Tommy Dawson spoke about the passing of Officer Buechner.
“[Buechner] didn’t have a mean bone in his body," Dawson said, holding back tears. "He was just a genuinely good man who wanted to help people. We’ve never lost [an officer] to violence — gun violence—and it’s a tough thing to accept.”
He added that no matter what someone thinks about police officers, no one deserves to go out like that.
It was announced at the meeting that a funeral service for Buechner will be held Friday, May 24 at Auburn Arena. The visitation will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the service will be from 2 to 3 p.m.
Following the service, a full police escort will travel from Auburn Arena to Town Creek Park on Donahue, Magnolia and Gay Streets allowing for community members to line the streets and show their support.
A proposed ordinance which would ban all open flames within Auburn’s city limits was also discussed at the Committee of the Whole meeting prior to the City Council meeting. After deliberation and input from several community members, the ordinance was voted down, but it may be revisited in the future.
A vacancy in the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board was filled as council members voted Laurie Maureen to take the place of the resigned Kathy Powell.
The City Council also congratulated Auburn High School’s Class of 2019 who graduated Tuesday.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
Evan Mealins, senior in philosophy and economics, is the editor-in-chief of The Auburn Plainsman.
