Police Officer David VanBuskirk

Officer David Lee Vanbuskirk joined the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department on October 6, 1999. He served in both Patrol and Narcotics until February 24, 2007, when he was assigned to the Search and Rescue Section.

A Southern Nevada native, Officer Vanbuskirk was a loyal and caring friend and an eager mentor to everyone he knew. As a Search and Rescue officer, he was recognized as a hero for saving numerous lives during hundreds of rescue missions.

Late on July 22, 2013, Officer Vanbuskirk was conducting a helicopter rescue of a stranded hiker on Mount Charleston when he fell. Before falling, he secured the hiker to the helicopter’s hoist cable, saving the man’s life. The death of Officer Vanbuskirk was announced the following day by the department on July 23, 2013. He was 36 years old.