Patrolman Frederick D. Vacha, Cleveland Police Department, Ohio

Patrolman Frederick D. Vacha

Cleveland Police Department, Ohio

End of Watch Wednesday, June 20, 1973

Frederick 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 acting suspiciously and pulled up alongside of 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 leg and wounded.

The suspect was arrested a short time later. He was sentenced to two life sentences for Patrolman Vacha's death. He was denied parole in 2013. His next parole hearing will be in April of 2023.

Patrolman Vacha had served with the agency for 3 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 19 Reflections

I met Fred in High School 1965 he was a nice kid,
I found the details of his murder a few years ago and by a strange coincidence I went to college with his parter John Saccany 1966 1967 he was injured in Fred's shooting

And I worked with johns dad until he too was shot and killed by a friend of his.

God Bless you Fred

William Tomsk
High School friend

July 22, 2016