Legendary Police Chief for Decades, Firefighter, Youth Coach, Donald “Buzzy” Book, Passes at Age of 87

Donald “Buzzy” Book, 87, of Shinnston passed away Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at Wishing Well Senior Living Community in Fairmont after a brief illness.  He was born March 16, 1938, in Shinnston, a son of the late Sam and Mary Marino Book.

Preceding him in death was his first wife of 27 years, Louise Cain Book; Brothers, John Book, Frank Book, Sam Book, Roland Book, Stanley Book, and Rudy Book; his sisters, Mary Margaret Spadafore and Nancy Hayes.

Buzzy was a lifelong Shinnston resident and graduated from Shinnston High School in 1957. He spent most of his adult life serving the city of Shinnston as a police officer for 36 years including 34 years as Chief of Police. Chief Book was an accomplished and well-respected police officer who was honored several times during his career.  In 1979, the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 23 awarded him an Honorary Citation of Bravery for rushing into a burning house to save a young mother. In 1980, he was awarded The Fire Fighters Heroism Award from Lion Uniform, Inc. of Dayton OH. He was also twice given awards from the Harrison County Bureau of Fire and Rescue. The ‘Sherlock Holmes Award’ in 1985 and the Donald W Duck Life safety Award in 1993. Chief Book gained national recognition on the 1990 CBS television series True Detectives. The episode focused on a 1981 case in the Drain Hill area of Shinnston.

Chief Book also served his community as a member of the Shinnston Volunteer Fire Department and as a Pop Warner Football, Jerry West Basketball and Little League Baseball coach. He was Catholic by faith and was a member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Shinnston.

Later in life he enjoyed mornings at McDonalds and spending time with friends and family.  He found much pleasure when working outside as well as rabbit hunting with his beagles.  He was known around the neighborhood as a kind and helpful neighbor. Chief Book was a pillar of the community who will sadly missed by all who knew him.

As a lifelong animal lover, who was as kind to his four-legged friends as he was his human friends, the family requests that in lieu of flowers donations may be made in his honor to the Harrison County Human Society.

Per Buzzy’s request, he will be cremated and there will be no viewing. Family will receive guests for a celebration of life at Harmer Funeral Home, 300 Pike St., Shinnston on Monday, July 21, 2025 from 4:00 to 7:30 with Rosary Prayer Service immediately following.

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