Former sheriff Buice shot in Griffin; in stable condition

Captain Tony Ranieri of the SCSO briefs the media. (Photo: Walter Geiger)

Former sheriff Buice shot in Griffin; in stable condition

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in Crime

Friday, January 29. 2010

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Former Lamar County sheriff Joe Buice was shot while on duty Friday afternoon in Spalding County. He was out of surgery and resting at Grady Hospital in Atlanta at 10:45 p.m., according to Capt. Tony Ranieri of the Spalding County S.O.

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#1 canisrufusmajor on 01/29/10 at 04:38 PM

He is a nice guy. I wish he and his family the best. We are prying for you.

#2 Anonymous on 01/29/10 at 04:40 PM

how horrible, prayers to him and his family!!!

#3 Anonymous on 01/29/10 at 04:49 PM

crazy!!!!!

#4 Anonymous on 01/29/10 at 04:51 PM

we are praying for you joe and you family hope all is well and you are going to be ok

#5 lizzybegood on 01/29/10 at 04:56 PM

Prayers are with Joe and the Buice family.

#6 b.jackson on 01/29/10 at 04:59 PM

hope he's okay. prayers sent Joe & family.

#7 Sheila Tolley on 01/29/10 at 05:03 PM

Terrible news. Why do people need to threaten suicide? It need only involve oneself. Otherwise innocent good people get hurt. God bless you Joe...and the family.

#8 Tasha Webster on 01/29/10 at 05:11 PM

I am so sorry. I can't even imagine what his wife is going through. My God watch over Joe and his family.

#9 thinblue on 01/29/10 at 05:19 PM

No matter what our opinion is against Buice, it is still horrible to see a brother down in the line of duty. Hope you're okay Joe. My prayers go out to you.

#10 Jan Newbill on 01/29/10 at 05:20 PM

Joe has been a good friend for many years. I knew him when he was with the DNR. He is such an honest, ethical and caring man. Our prayers are with Joe and his family.

#11 Big Ron on 01/29/10 at 07:10 PM

Sometimes it's a ploy just to drag someone else down with them and in this case he wanted to take out an officer. Domestics are very dangerous and every officer knows they are the worst situations to be called to. Hopefully it all turns out ok for Dept. Buice.

#12 anonymous on 01/29/10 at 09:14 PM

God Bless the ones who wear the badge and risk their lives each day to protect us. We will be praying for him and his family

#13 Not a paid blogger on 01/29/10 at 09:23 PM

Hope joe is well soon.

Hope I can read about the paid bloggers somewhere else real soon.

Thatll be a hoot! Haerd they have pictures!!!

#14 It'se M on 01/29/10 at 09:33 PM

Wishing him a speedy recovery .. my heart goes out to his wife and children right now.

#15 Brenda Maddox on 01/29/10 at 09:37 PM

Joe the clark family's prayers go out to you and your family. You know how this family feels about you and your former officers.We wish you and your family a speedy recovery.

#16 Anonymous on 01/29/10 at 09:39 PM

I didn't like Buice at all, BUT know one deserves this, I wish him and family all the best, ya'll will be in our prayers

#17 LOB on 01/29/10 at 09:41 PM

Hang in there Joe. We are praying for you and your family.

#18 Nurse Lamar County on 01/29/10 at 10:08 PM

Prayer is powerful. God is our protector.

#19 Lorina Allen on 01/29/10 at 10:14 PM

MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOURE FAMILY JOE. I NO U PROBABLY DONT REMEMBER ME. IM CATHYS GRANDAUGHTER, SHERRY PARKS DAUGHTER. hi im Joes distant cousin. he is my grandmothers 1st cousin. her names is Cathy Parks. her maiden name is Buice. east mcintosh street aint but 5mins from my house. the 4way where pineview road is on east mcintosh street, i live on pineview road. we have a 7month old n the house. we r planning on moving when his grandparents get their taxes back, he doesnt need 2 b living in this type of neighborhood. i no it aint only griffin its the whole world, but wat if that man came down our road?

#20 Margaret Dunn on 01/29/10 at 10:16 PM

Thoughts and prayers for Joe and family - thanks to him and all other law enforcement for putting their lives on the line to serve and protect

#21 Nora Daniel on 01/29/10 at 11:04 PM

Dear Buice Family,

I have known each and everyone of you through the years. I think very highly of Joe, first he was the law-then he was your friend. If you ever had him as your friend you couldn't have asked for a better friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I am truly sorry this happened to such good people

#22 Anonymous on 01/29/10 at 11:11 PM

You and your family will be in our prayers we love yall the the hamrick family

#23 Anonymous on 01/30/10 at 12:18 AM

hey rina bina!!

#24 Sheila Tolley on 01/30/10 at 02:28 AM

I pray that it does.

#25 tracey michelle welch on 01/30/10 at 05:47 AM

Dear Buice Family,

My prayers are with you all at this time of need. And i couldn't agree with nora more, joe was the law first, but then he was your friend. My ex=in laws were extremely close with Mr. Joe, he coached ball with my paw in law, and when paw in law and my grandmother in law both passed, he was at the house with the family telling them if they needed anything to let him know. He's a good man and a good law man and this world needs more people like him. Our prayers go out to your family and to joe that he will recover so he can continue to serve and protect us.

#26 Shirley Watts on 01/30/10 at 06:39 AM

Joe Buice is a friend and a man of the law. He was doing his duty protecting the people. If anyone wants to kill himself, why does he have to get honest people involved? Our world is crazy. Our prayers go out to all of the Buice family. David and Shirley Watts

#27 c grantham on 01/30/10 at 06:45 AM

My prayers and thoughts go out to Joe Buice and the people in the cars that were involved. May God grant them a speedy recovery.

#28 cats on 01/30/10 at 07:55 AM

Speedy recovery for Mr. Buice and for the unidentified lady who was shot in her car also.

#29 Anonymous on 01/30/10 at 08:52 AM

This is called Death by cop or in this case death by law, now his family can get the insurance money and now can sue the county. That is why they threaten to commit suicide so that the law will get involved they really want to die but don't have the guts to do it. My prayers are with Joe and his family I have known Joe since grade school. I also thought that he did a good job as Sherrif of Lamar Co.

#30 Angela on 01/30/10 at 09:09 AM

there is no one else in law inforcement that I would ever trust but Joe Buice, he was always
there when I needed his help or advice. My
prayers go out to you and your family.

#31 Brenda Ross, Mike Ross on 01/30/10 at 09:29 AM

We are vrey good friends with the Buice family. We got to go in and see him last night. He needs our prayers. No matter what you thought of him during the election, he loves his family and does what it takes to support them. He took a bullet trying to help others. How many of you would take a bullett for someone else? The Lord was on his side and had His hand of protection over Joe. Things could have been much worse. Use every day to the fullest for the good of all. He is stable and talking this morning. They plan to remove the tubes today. Thanks for all your prayers. Thank you to Investigator Brower of the Spalding County sheriff's Office for transporting Barbara to the hospital and staying with her.

#32 ALECIA LEAVENS on 01/30/10 at 10:24 AM

Joe & Barbara are HONEST, ETHICAL & CARING citizens. He worked with DNR before being elected as Sheriff of Lamar County. He & Barbara loves HELPING OTHERS therefore Joe chose to continue to SERVE & PROTECT the public. If someone wants to commit suicide, it isn't necessary to take out others with you especially when they are OUTSTANDING CITIZENS like JOE BUCIE. ~ by ALECIA JOHNSON LEAVENS ~ HAWKINSVILLE, GA

#33 Anon. on 01/30/10 at 01:15 PM

Why can't we praise Joe's law enforcment skills and will to survive that kept him alive instead of the gunman's poor skills. You should have kept that comment to yourself you JACKASS!!!

#34 Anonymous on 01/30/10 at 01:20 PM

TO THE HG Please keep all the negative and stupid comments off of here

#35 c grantham on 01/30/10 at 01:22 PM

How do you know the surgeons have not been thanked personally? I am sure they have. Grady Hospital is the place to go for gunshot wounds. They deal with them 24-7. As for as the gunmans poor aim., what have you been smoking? If you are going to take out a law enforcement officer, I would think you would go for the head, being they wear bullet proof vests. You forgot the deputy who took this guy out before he could kill anyone else. Whoever he is I am very thankful his aim was accurate. And Joe Buice I am praying for your recovery. May God bless you and your fellow officers, the paramedics, emergency room staff and surgeons.

#36 Anonymous on 01/30/10 at 01:25 PM

TO: anonymous above #29: re-read your comment & then please realize how stupid that sounds.

#37 Anonymous on 01/30/10 at 01:27 PM

My prayers are with the Buice family.

#38 Brenda Maddox on 01/30/10 at 01:59 PM

Most of us are praying very hard for Joe and his family. Praying meant for everyone involved from the other officers that had to go through this and the innocent people that was involved. Down to the doctors and medical staff that worked on Joe and also for his beautiful family that he cherishes with every waking moment.Which also includes his speed recovery.

#39 Wife Of A Cop on 01/30/10 at 02:55 PM

By praying for the continued recovery of Joe Buice, noone is excluding praise for the skillful work of the surgeons. As far as the gunman's poor aim, it would appear that the gunman was taking a general aim opposed to a deliberate and accurate aim. The shooter was obviously in a state of mind that no one else will ever be able to understand. These are the worst kind of calls that an officer can go to because there is no logic to the suspect's behavior or actions....#29...maybe you should spend less time being hateful and if you don't believe in praying atleast send out well wishes. Otherwise, put your negative energy to work elsewhere....Our prayers are going out to the Buice family and all of the other families hurt by this incident.

#40 Jean Kennedy (via G. Robinson) on 01/30/10 at 03:28 PM

Thinking of you, Joe, and praying for you, your family, your doctors, and your fellow deputies.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.

#41 Anonymous on 01/30/10 at 04:20 PM

I don't see why my comment was removed. It was just a general observation.

Also, I meant nothing negative by the "poor aim" statement. As aforementioned, is was a general observation, considering the lethality of the 7.62x39 cartridge used (the weapon was described as an SKS or AK-style weapon). I find it ironic how everyone can post about their prayers, but as soon as I chalk it up to surgeons, immediately I'm hateful, a jackass, and all sorts of things.

It's a pity you're such bigots. I guess we can't all work hard for good reading comprehension... maybe you guys should pray for it.

#42 Anonymous on 01/30/10 at 06:20 PM

I hope Joe recovers completely and very quickly.

I can see now all the media going off about "assault weapons" now. That is rediculous. These guns are really no different than the average hunting rifles. They are 556/223 round or 7.62x39 round. Actually there are a ton of deer rifles that are way more powerful than the gun used in the crime. This idiot could have used any weapon from a .22 all the way to a rocket launcher to commit the crime. The term "assault weapon" is commonly used by liberals that want to but drastic restrictions or bans on weapons as a whole.

Again, I hope that Joe gets well soon and Im glad that they saved the tax payers money by ending this psycho paths life.

#43 Anonymous on 01/30/10 at 06:39 PM

cause bleeding heart liberals like yourself always find something negative. your worried about praying for a doctor. the surgeons get their thanks in about six weeks when the bills start rolling in.

they would get my prayers and praise if they are doing the job for free.

#44 Jeff Sanders, Rescue Chief, Upson County on 01/30/10 at 07:00 PM

Joe and I worked many search operations/drownings in Upson County while he was in DNR. A true friend and knew his job well. Very caring person not only for those we were searching for but also for those looking for the lost or drowned person. To his family: Ya'll are on the prayer list of Pike Assembly of God. My home prayer list and the prayer list of the members of the Upson County Rescue Unit. We are very concerned about his condition and the needs of your family. Let me know how we can help!
Jeff Sanders, Rescue Chief-Upson Co.

#45 Anon. on 01/30/10 at 11:18 PM

I agree. Assault weapons can be anything used to injure someone. If someone drives a Lincoln Towncar into a group of pedestrians, to me that is a assault weapon. This man was hell bent on dying, he was just too much of a COWARD to do it himself.

" GUNS DON'T KILL PEOPLE... PEOPLE DO!!! "

#46 Anonymous on 01/31/10 at 07:07 AM

Thats your opinion.

#47 Anonymous on 01/31/10 at 08:28 AM

why would you want someone to do something for free.

#48 Jan Newbill on 01/31/10 at 08:42 AM

Thank you barnesville.com for keeping us updated on Joe. The news stations certainly don't do a very good job of it! I have forwarded your website to many friends, of both Joe's and mine, in the DNR and law enforcement. I tell them to keep it pulled up on their bowser and refresh it often to get updates! Keep up folks!

#49 Jan Newbill on 01/31/10 at 08:43 AM

Thank you barnesville.com for keeping us updated on Joe. The news stations certainly don't do a very good job of it! I have forwarded your website to many friends, of both Joe's and mine, in the DNR and law enforcement. I tell them to keep it pulled up on their browser and refresh it often to get updates! Keep up it folks!

#50 ME on 01/31/10 at 08:55 AM

WE ARE SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT THIS BRO! HOPE YOU HAVE A SPEEDY RECOVERY..! OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH THE FAMILY

#51 greg n. on 01/31/10 at 01:16 PM

I am a resident of a neighboring county, but I pay attention to lamar news for a couple of reasons. Number one, I'm a former resident, and two, I have known the Buice family for 20 years now. So as an outsider, I have a couple of statements or observations for L.C. citizens. While I will agree that when first meeting Joe, he is not the easiest man to figure out. But I can honestly say that after 20 years of aquintance on a somewhat personal level, I have not crossed paths with anyone with more honesty and integrity than Joe Buice. As a business owner, I deal with people all around south Atlanta. At every mention of Joe Buice, my responce is always the same. "He is an equal opportunity offender. No matter who you are, if you breaks the law, you answer for it". And isn't that why you all elected him? Just asking. His yes is yes and his no is no,and in all my experience knowing him that has not changed.
Secondly, trials and tribulation do not develope charactor as some believe, but rather it REVEALS charactor!! When Joe was not re-elected for whatever reason, he could have pursued a cush teaching position at the college or used his influence to take on some upper level corporate management position and just move on. Not Joe; "To protect and serve" is not what he does, it's who he is! Joe is a protector of the people even at the risk of his life. Talk about CHARACTOR. Joe and his family serve with honor and integrity in all they are asked of them. This country, in my opinion, needs alot more Joe's, not alot more politicians..... Just something to think about.

#52 yarddog on 01/31/10 at 02:04 PM

I agree with you and Joe would too. Regaurds to the Buice family

#53 just me on 01/31/10 at 06:19 PM

I really think you could have refrained from stating that you didn't like Joe and just said that your prayers are with him. His family would surely appreciate more positive and less negative comments at a time like this.

#54 Anonymous on 01/31/10 at 07:51 PM

Greg, you are opening a can of worms here. There is a lot of hard feelings and touchy subjects reguarding Joe. I dont think that anyone here is that cold hearted to not wish him a speedy and complete recovery however like i said lots of hard feelings reguarding his actions while sheriff here.

Lets just leave it at, we hope that he fully recovers with no conflicts for now. Maybe in a few months when the HG reports how well he is doing then we can get into all kinds of specifics.

#55 Buice Family on 02/01/10 at 08:28 PM

Thanks for all the prayers and kind words during this tragic time. Joe came through surgery well and he will hopefully be released to return home early this week. We greatly appreciate all the thoughts, prayers and kind words shed upon the family through this time. You never know from day to day what may happen, and we are so thankful that Joe will be making a full recovery from this. Once again, thanks for the prayers we greatly appreciate them.

#56 Anonymous on 02/02/10 at 06:44 AM

You got that right.

Lots and lots of comments being removed from here.

#57 anon on 02/02/10 at 04:29 PM

First of all I wish Joe a full recovery and Greg I'm going to pretend I didn't read most of what you wrote since it's true you are opening up a big can of worms here where there is plenty of room for debate.

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