Dr. Lucinda Aborn, Dr. Marilyn Brock, Richard Bukowiecki and Rachel Mason Richard Bukowiecki seen at recent Cerritos College Board of Trustees Meeting. Bukowiecki took his own life this past Monday morning. Photo from Cerritos College.
By Brian Hews
Richard Bukowiecki, the Chief of Police at the Cerritos College Police Department was found dead in a Westminster motel room Monday morning from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Bukowiecki was 47 years old and was a resident of Huntington Beach.
Bukowiecki checked himself into a Super 8 Motel located at the 15500 Block of Beach Boulevard in Westminster apparently on Sunday, according to a manager at the location who identified himself to Hews Media Group-Community Newspaper only as “MJ.”
MJ said that he or any other member of his staff did not know that Bukowiecki was a member of law enforcement at the time he checked into his room.
MJ said that a house cleaner had knocked on the second floor room door where Bukowiecki was staying “sometime early Monday morning” and found the lifeless body.
“We immediately called the Westminster Police and the entire area around the room was totally shut down. None of us could go in or out of the second floor for hours,” MJ said.
“The police were very quiet about what was going on, and they didn’t provide a lot of details to us for a long time,” MJ continued.
The Orange County Coroner confirmed to HMG-CN on Tuesday that the incident took place at 3:30 a.m. on Monday morning.
Cerritos College Superintendent Linda Lacy was informed on the death of Bukowiecki on Monday afternoon, and she immediately informed members of the Board of Trustees and other college officials about the situation via an email at 5:45 p.m.
“The College has received very tragic news this afternoon. We are saddened to have learned that Campus Police Chief Richard “Buk” Bukowiecki has unexpectedly passed away. Additional information will be forthcoming,” Lacy wrote.
HMG-CN obtained a copy of the email late Monday night and was the first news outlet to report on the facts of the situation.
“We have arranged for grief counselors to be available through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Counseling services are available 24/7 by calling 1-800-531-0200,” Lacy wrote.
Lacy did not elaborate on the details of how Bukowiecki died in the initial email.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to Buk’s family, friends, colleagues, staff, and fellow officers during this very difficult time,” Lacy wrote.
On Tuesday morning, HMG-CN updated their initial report about Bukowiecki death, and within minutes, at 10:07 a.m. Lacy sent out a second internal email updating the situation.
“It has been confirmed that Chief Bukowiecki died by suicide on August 18. It is natural to wonder why in this situation. We do not and may not ever know the reason. Suicide is rarely attributed to one reason or triggered by one event. This is a tragedy. The Cerritos College family is deeply saddened by the death of Chief Bukowiecki. We extend our sincerest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, staff, and fellow officers who are grieving,” Lacy said.
Lacy praised Bukowiecki on Tuesday afternoon in prepared remarks.
“He proudly served Cerritos College for 26 years, and as the Chief of Campus Police for 8 years. In 2012, ‘Buk’ was named the Outstanding Classified Manager of the Year. Chief Bukowiecki was known for his calm demeanor and professionalism. Whether he was addressing the Faculty Senate or student leadership, leading an investigation, or managing an emergency, he was composed and in control of the situation,” Lacy said.
Funeral services had not been announced as of Wednesday at noon.
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
What took him so long? He should’ve died sooner. I was a victim of this Keystone Chief of Police.
Bcaikair Wireless Earbuds, Sports Bluetooth Headphones, Ear Buds with 80hr Playtime, Noise Canceling, LED Power Display, IPX7 Waterproof Earphones for Workout/Running Black
$26.98 (as of May 3, 2025 17:24 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Portable Washing Machine - Compact 2.3 Cu.ft Portable Washer, Full-Automatic Top Loader for Space Saving, Ideal for Apartments, Homes, and Dorms, 10 Wash Cycles, Low Noise, IPX4
$189.99 (as of May 3, 2025 17:24 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Amazon Basics Neoprene Dumbbell Hand Weights
$21.99 (as of May 4, 2025 06:28 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
USANOOKS Microfiber Cleaning Cloth Grey - 12 Pcs (12.5"x12.5") - High Performance - 1200 Washes, Ultra Absorbent Microfiber Towel Weave Grime & Liquid for Streak-Free Mirror Shine - Car Washing Cloth
$8.98 (as of May 4, 2025 06:28 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Molly's Suds Dishwasher Pods | Clean Dishwasher Detergent, Cuts Grease & Rinses Clean (Residue-Free) for Sparkling Dishes | 60 Auto-Release Tabs (Unscented)
$19.99 (as of May 4, 2025 06:28 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Titleist Pro V1
$54.95 (as of May 3, 2025 17:24 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Macro Microscope Digital Fixed Focus 2.0 inch IPS Color Screen, 200w Pixel, 500x Magnification, Portable Handheld Magnifying Glass, Built-in 8LED Lights Compatible with Windows, Mac OS
$19.99 (as of May 4, 2025 06:28 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Rain-X 820147 WeatherBeater, 26" and 16" Windshield Wiper Blades - All-Season OEM Quality, Conventional, Vehicle Specific Fit, Pack of 2
$25.99 (as of May 4, 2025 06:28 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Treadmill with Handles, Folding Foldable Electric Treadmills for Home Small, 3.0HP Walking Pad Treadmills with Handle Bar, 3 in 1 Under Desk Treadmill with Remote Control, LED Display, 300LBS Capacity
$139.99 (as of May 3, 2025 17:24 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Cuisinart Round Classic Waffle Maker, Brushed Stainless, WMR-CANAS
$24.99 (as of May 3, 2025 17:24 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
I am Richards Brother inlaw and i always thought of Richard as being a great man he was good to my sister and even better to my nieces and nephews he will be missed and too the person who said he should have died sooner you can go to hell you sob
Command 20 lb XL Heavyweight Picture Hanging Strips 16 Pairs (32 Command Strips), Damage Free Hanging Picture Hangers, Heavy Duty Wall Hanging Strips for Home Decor, White Adhesive Strips
$11.81 (as of May 4, 2025 06:28 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Amazon Basics Neoprene Dumbbell Hand Weights
$21.99 (as of May 4, 2025 06:28 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
NTIERA Replacement Lid for Owala Freesip Water Bottle, Compatible with Owala Lid and Cap, Premium Accessories for 16oz 24oz 32oz 40oz Bottles,Leak-Proof,BPA-Free
$7.64 (as of May 3, 2025 17:24 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Callaway Golf Supersoft Golf Balls
$24.97 (as of May 4, 2025 06:28 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale with LCD Display, Batteries Included, Weighs up to 11 pounds, Black and Stainless Steel
$10.49 (as of May 4, 2025 06:28 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Apple Watch Series 5 (GPS, 40MM) - Gold Aluminum Case with Pink Sand Sport Band (Renewed)
$119.99 (as of May 4, 2025 06:28 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Dessiz 11LBS Compact Dryer 950W Portable Clothes Dryer Machine for Small Spaces, RVs and Apartments - Quiet, Sturdy ,Easy to Use and LED Display
$199.99 (as of May 3, 2025 17:24 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Google Nest Wi-Fi Video Smart Doorbell Camera (Battery Operated) - White (Renewed)
$84.99 (as of May 3, 2025 17:24 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Apple iPad (10.2-Inch, Wi-Fi, 32GB) - Space Gray (Renewed)
$126.00 (as of May 4, 2025 06:28 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
ZZU Wireless Earbuds, 2025 Ear Buds with Big Bass Stereo Sound, Lightweight Bluetooth Earbuds with 48 Hours Playtime, in-Ear Fit Earphones, IPX7, Hands-Free Calls with AI for iPhone, Android, Pad
$19.99 (as of May 3, 2025 17:24 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
I really appreciate everything Richard has donee
I really appreciated all Richard did for my nephews. He did a great job at raising them. They have grown up to be very responsible good men. I will away’s be thankful to him. To the guy who said he should have died sooner. I agree with my brother you can go to hell Jerk
Dessiz 11LBS Compact Dryer 950W Portable Clothes Dryer Machine for Small Spaces, RVs and Apartments - Quiet, Sturdy ,Easy to Use and LED Display
$199.99 (as of May 3, 2025 17:24 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
15x52 HD Binoculars for Adults High Powered with Upgraded Phone Adapter - Large View Binoculars with Clear Low Light Vision - Lightweight Waterproof Binocular for Bird Watching Travel Hunting Cruise
$55.99 (as of May 4, 2025 06:28 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Etekcity Food Kitchen Scale, Digital Grams and Ounces for Weight Loss, Baking, Cooking, Keto and Meal Prep, LCD Display, Medium, 304 Stainless Steel
$13.99 (as of May 4, 2025 06:28 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Titleist Pro V1
$54.95 (as of May 3, 2025 17:24 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
USANOOKS Microfiber Cleaning Cloth Grey - 12 Pcs (12.5"x12.5") - High Performance - 1200 Washes, Ultra Absorbent Microfiber Towel Weave Grime & Liquid for Streak-Free Mirror Shine - Car Washing Cloth
$8.98 (as of May 4, 2025 06:28 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Occer 12x25 Compact Binoculars for Adults and Kids, Large Eyepiece Waterproof Binocular with Low Light Vision,High Powered Easy Focus Binoculars for Bird Watching,Outdoor Hunting,Travel,Sightseeing
$35.99 (as of May 4, 2025 06:28 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
NTIERA Replacement Lid for Owala Freesip Water Bottle, Compatible with Owala Lid and Cap, Premium Accessories for 16oz 24oz 32oz 40oz Bottles,Leak-Proof,BPA-Free
$7.64 (as of May 3, 2025 17:24 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
HP 24-dd0056 23.8" FHD Intel Celeron J4005 2.0 GHz up to 2.7 GHz 4GB DDR4-2400 MHz 1TB 7200 RPM SATA HDD Intel UHD Graphics 600 All-in-One Desktop, White - 9EF14AA-I101 (Renewed)
$189.99 (as of May 3, 2025 17:24 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale with LCD Display, Batteries Included, Weighs up to 11 pounds, Black and Stainless Steel
$10.49 (as of May 4, 2025 06:28 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
MWIRB AI Translation Earbuds Real Time, 144 Language Translator Earbuds for iPhone and Android 3-in-1 Translation Headphones Translating Device for Travel Business Learning with Charging Case(Black)
$35.99 (as of May 3, 2025 17:24 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)