Officer Down Memorial Page

After searching for many years, Officer Breece’s closest relatives were finally located. As he left no direct descendants and record keeping was sporadic at the time of his death in 1902, the search was difficult.

Today, 08/20/2011, at 1600 hours, Officer Breece’s niece, Mrs. Enid Ostrander (born 15 years after Officer Breece’s death) was presented with her uncle’s Medal of Honor. Issued by the Washington State Attorney General’s office in 1998, the Medal finally found its way home 13-years after its issuance.

The Medal was presented during an official ceremony conducted in the family’s backyard. Present were a dozen family members and friends. Additionally, Seattle Police Department representatives included the Deputy Chief of Operations, Chief of Police (Ret.), Honor Guard, Color Guard, Department Chaplain, Department Historian and a dozen uniformed officers.

Under the American, Washington State and Seattle Police Department flags, with Officer Breece’s memorial streamer attached, the Medal was awarded to Mrs. Ostrander. Department challenge coins were also presented to Mrs. Ostrander’s grandson, great grandson and two great granddaughters.

The most poignant comment made during the ceremony came from Deputy Chief Metz. Who stated, “We are all brothers merely separated by time. Officer Breece will always be part of our law enforcement family, and we will not forget him.”

EOW: 07/03/1902, Gone but Not Forgotten

Sgt. Ty Elster, Honor Guard Cmdr.
Seattle Police Department
August 21, 2011

Harry Tracy Was A Man Who Was Afraid To Kill, During The Escape He Even Killed His Own Brothern In law--As He Passed Threw Clark Co He Stole A Horse From My Relation, The First Thing He Said To My Great Uncle Was (Im Tracy) Which He Repeated To Many People During Those Few Weeks He Was Alive---Officer Breece And To All Those Other People He Killed May You Rest In Peace !

Ronald Rathbun
None
March 13, 2008

Still the one of the most unbelievable convict escapes that I have ever researched.....Incidentally, for the fellow historians out there, the escaped convict was named Harry Tracy.

For all who fell victim to this anal pore, it may have been 105 years, but I can assure You, that You are not forgotten...

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD
July 3, 2007

May you and everybody that tragically gave their life to try and stop this menace to society rest in peace always. You are never forgotten for your sacrifice.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police
June 9, 2007

Remembering Officer Breece and the others that gave their lives during this tragic event. Honoring you and the others for giving the ultimate sacrifice, their lives.
Gone, but not forgotten.

July 3, 2005

Thank you for your bravery. You were then and are still today remembered as a hero. You will never be forgotten. Watch over your brothers and sisters as we continue to walk the beat.

March 16, 2004