By Police1 Staff
KOKOMO, Ind. — A family friend of an Indiana officer who was shot in the line of duty earlier this year is collecting police patches for the officer’s young son.
On March 30, Sgt. Jordan Buckley and his partner, Deputy Carl Koontz, were involved in a shootout while serving a warrant. Sgt. Buckley was shot and wounded. Deputy Koontz was also shot, but passed away at a hospital later that day.
In light of these tragic events, an outpouring of support for both officers and their families has been expressed by their hometown community in Kokomo. Koontz is survived by his wife and young son, Noah, who have received countless keepsakes from their community, including a collection of patch pictures.
Sgt. Buckley’s eight-year-old son, Mason, was also deeply affected by the incident, and his passion to be “a hero just like dad,” has inspired a family friend to begin collecting police patches from across the nation for him.
“Patches 4 Buckley” is an effort spearheaded by Amy Wiley, who spoke with Police1 regarding the hundreds of patches that have been sent for Mason.
Mason, who is unaware of the patch donations, had a conversation with Wiley about what happened to his father and “understands what is going on in the world and the events that caused his dad to be wounded.” Mason wants to be a sheriff or head of the CIA when he grows up — and Wiley believes the patch collection will serve as the perfect inspiration and show of support for the boy.
“Patches 4 Buckley” has received over 300 hundred patches, with more on the way.
“We plan to make a quilt with the Indiana patches and allow him [Mason] to manipulate the others in any way he wants,” Wiley said. The patches will also be shared with Noah.
Wiley is seeking more patches from police agencies around the world. For information and to find out how you can help, check out the “Patches 4 Buckley” Facebook page. Patches can be sent to the following address:
Howard County Sheriff’s Dept.
Attn. Patches for Buckley
1800 W. Markland Ave
Kokomo, IN 46901