BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The Bakersfield Police Department is remembering an officer who died in the line of duty 74 years ago Monday.
Officer William Lord Rucker died on July 20, 1952, while on the job.
Rucker was fatally injured when his police motorcycle collided in a near head-on accident with another vehicle, after the driver of the vehicle made a left turn from Oak Street onto Palm Street, striking Rucker.
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BPD said Rucker was appointed to the Bakersfield Police Department on May 21, 1949 and served as a motor officer throughout his career in law enforcement…