David Vanbuskirk - Law Enforcement - Nevada

Officer David Vanbuskirk, age 36, died on July 22, 2013, on Mount Charleston, Nevada.

David was a member of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. He was a assigned to the Search and Rescue Section of the Department. He had 13 years of service.

David was involved in an aerial rescue operation of a hiker on Mount Charleston. The hiker had become disoriented and was stranded on a rock ledge near Mary Jane Falls. A Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department helicopter located the hiker and lowered Officer Vanbuskirk to the location.

As the helicopter began to raise the two to the helicopter Officer Vanbuskirk became detached from the line and fell to the canyon floor below. The hiker was treated at a local hospital and survived.

Dave grew up in the Las Vegas area and lived in Henderson.

He had been a member of Search and Rescue since 2007. He joined the Department in 1999.

The Police Department is in mourning over this tragedy.

Police officials describe him as an exceptionally fine officer.

Friends describe Dave as a man who put others first. His passion was helping others.

Michael, Archangel, Patron
Saint of the Police, pray for Dave

He loved his work. He was a great guy who did his job professionally. He is also described as a man who would give you the shirt off of his back.

Dave also had a black belt in Jiu Jitsu.

David is survived by many loving friends and relatives including his wife.

Thank you for your service to the public, Dave. 

Pray for all who die in the line of duty. Amen.

Pray for all who die by misadventure. They are with us one moment and gone the next. Amen.

Pray that David is in heaven. Pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.