Cleveland Division of Police, Ohio
End of Watch Wednesday, June 20, 1973
Add to My HeroesFrederick D. Vacha
Patrolman Frederick Vacha was shot and killed as he and his partner patrolled a high-crime area as part of the Impact Task Force.
The two officers observed a man carrying a handgun on his right side and pulled up alongside him. As Patrolman Vacha called out to the man, the suspect immediately opened fire with a 9mm handgun. One of the rounds struck Patrolman Vacha in the head, killing him instantly. The other officer was struck in the ankle and wounded.
The suspect was arrested a short time later. He was sentenced to two life sentences for Patrolman Vacha's death. In 2013, he was denied parole. His next parole hearing will be in April of 2023.
Patrolman Vacha had served with the Cleveland Division of Police for three years. He was survived by his wife, two children, parent, and three brothers.
Bio
- Age 25
- Tour 3 years
- Badge 2373
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun; 9 mm
- Offender Sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 26 ReflectionsNEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman Frederick D. Vacha of the Cleveland Division of Police, Ohio and the additional 63 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.
Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation
June 20, 2022
Recent LODD Deaths
Police Officer Peter E.C. Jerving
Milwaukee Police Department, WI
EOW: February 7, 2023
Police Officer Sean Sluganski
McKeesport Police Department, PA
EOW: February 6, 2023
Criminal Investigator Steven A. Carnes
Tom Green County District Attorney's Office, TX
EOW: November 13, 2022
Police Officer Gonzalo Carrasco, Jr.
Selma Police Department, CA
EOW: January 31, 2023
Master Patrol Officer Clarence L. "CJ" Williams
Cairo Police Department, GA
EOW: January 28, 2023
Supervisory Officer Jacqueline Montanaro
United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - Office of Field Operations, US
EOW: January 14, 2023
Police Officer Carl Douglas Kimball
St. Francisville Police Department, LA
EOW: January 12, 2023
Deputy Sheriff Darnell Calhoun
Riverside County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: January 13, 2023
Court Services Officer Curtis Matthew Worland
Alaska State Troopers, AK
EOW: December 13, 2022