Police department remembers, honors fallen officer killed in drunk driving crash

The New Bloomfield Police Department has memories of late Officer Michael Tufts all over the place.

From the article about the drunk driving crash that ultimately took his life to his badge and oath to become a police officer, Tufts is leaving his mark.

But the officers said they’re really holding on to his personality, smile, and the memories he leaves behind.

Michael Tufts was the designated driver in December of 2012 when his car was hit by drunk driver Spencer Gordon. Tufts has been in a coma since then, until he succumbed to his injuries on Sunday.

Police Chief Christopher Hammann laughed as he remembered some of his favorite times with Tufts.

“He made it hard to be a supervisor, he was so funny and always smiling. Even if you told him bad news he’d still be smiling,” Hammann said.

Hammann said he got along with everyone at the department and truly loved his job.

And it showed. Because he was also fondly remembered by the community.

“His dad told me he’s getting letters from people Michael wrote tickets to and they thanked him for writing the tickets because he was so courteous. That’s not something that happens every day, I think people were just blown away that he was so courteous,” Hammann said.

Sadly, Tufts never got to fulfill his dream of becoming a State Trooper, but he was pursuing his passion by being a police officer.

Several police and sheriff’s departments around Missouri will honor Tufts on Saturday by gathering together and taking his body from New Bloomfield to St. Louis in a processional to his final resting place.

Two visitation services will be held for Tufts: 4-8 p.m. on Friday and 9-11 a.m. on Saturday. Both will be at the Memorial Funeral Home in Columbia.