Topeka Police Department, Kansas
End of Watch: Saturday, September 13, 1975
Age: 32
Tour of Duty: 2 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Heart attack
Date of Incident: September 13, 1975
Weapon Used: Person
Suspect Info: Not available
Reserve Police Officer James Buffum suffered a fatal heart attack shortly after struggling with a subject he had just arrested for disorderly conduct.
The man slammed Officer Buffum against a wall during the struggle. Officer Buffum was able to subdue the subject and place him in custody. He suddenly collapsed as he completed paperwork.
Officer Buffum had served with the Topeka Police Department for two years.