Neighbors of murdered Auburn Police Department Officer William Buechner are backing the blue in a very visible way, honoring the fallen hero’s life of selfless service.
As reported by WSFA, the Opelika subdivision that Buechner and his family lived in is showing their solidarity en masse.
In a moving tribute, many of the neighborhood’s homes have replaced their regular porch lights with blue lights, shining proudly in Buechner’s memory.
Tracy McDaniel is among those neighbors paying tribute to the officer and beloved community member.
McDaniels’ home is far from the exception. One photo shows an entire street the neighborhood turned blue to honor the fallen officer.
“William was a lot of great things. A great man, friend, husband, and father, police officer, neighbor, the list goes on,” Smith explained. “His son will grow up to learn that his daddy was a hero, and we will forever remember that he was our hero too.”
Another woman in the neighborhood, who asked to remain anonymous when speaking with WSFA, said she was aware of at least 15 homes participating in the special tribute but expected that number to increase.
“We all have rallied to find each other more lightbulbs,” the woman said, “and contact those who have been out of town or may need assistance reaching their fixtures. It’s been a true team effort.”
The lights are reportedly expected to remain on at least through Saturday, the day after Buechner’s funeral.
Buechner is survived by his wife of three years, Sara; son, Henry; and step-daughter, McKenna.
“This village we speak of, he knows we will take care of Sara and the family,” Smith added. “After all, it does take a village. We back the blue.”
There has been a GoFundMe set up for Buechner’s family.
Sean Ross is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn
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