Paul Buckles
Sergeant
Potter County Sheriff's Office
End of Watch: May 30, 2014
Paul Edwards Buckles was born September 25, 1956, in Amarillo, Texas. He graduated from Canyon High School in 1975, carrying with him the values of hard work, loyalty, and service that would define his life.
He enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving as a security police officer responsible for silo missiles, one of the most demanding and high-security assignments in the Air Force. His military service shaped him into a disciplined, steady, and dependable man, qualities that later made him a respected Texas peace officer.
Paul began his career with the Potter County Sheriff’s Office in March 1988, launching what would become 26 years of dedicated service. Over the course of his career, he completed 2,600 hours of training, earning both a Master Jailer License and a Master Peace Officer License through TCOLE.
He served in multiple roles throughout the department, ultimately becoming a Sergeant assigned to the Criminal Investigation Division, where he was known for his professionalism, thoroughness, and unwavering commitment to justice.
Sgt. Buckles tragically died in the line of duty on May 30, 2014, after collapsing during a multi-agency active-shooter training exercise.
Sheriff Brian Thomas described him simply and powerfully: “He was a good, hardworking man.”
Paul was more than a lawman, he was a singer and songwriter, known for his creativity, humor, and the warmth he brought to those around him. His family, friends, and colleagues remember him as a man who could lighten any room and who cared deeply for the people in his life. They proudly accepted his Star of Texas Award, presented posthumously to honor peace officers killed or seriously injured in the line of duty.
END OF WATCH: MAY 30, 2014
While performing an exercise he had done many times before, Sgt. Buckles suddenly collapsed while teaching others how to protect themselves in an active shooter situation. Fellow officers and EMTs immediately rendered aid, and he was transported to a local hospital, where he passed away. His death left a profound sadness across the department and the community he served for more than a quarter century.