Philadelphia Police Department, Pennsylvania
End of Watch Sunday, June 21, 1987
Add to My HeroesGerard W. Traynor
Detective Gerard Traynor suffered a fatal heart attack shortly after running to help another officer who was struggling with a prisoner who was attempting to escape.
Detective Traynor was on duty in the Northwest Detective Division at 1747 North 17th Street when he heard another detective call for help. He ran to the detective's aid and found an escaping prisoner attacking the detective. Detective Traynor pulled the attacker off the other detective and fought with him as they fell to the floor. With the aid of other detectives, they were able to regain control of the prisoner. The following morning Detective Traynor suffered a heart attack and was pronounced dead at 6:25 a.m.
Officer Traynor had served with the Philadelphia Police Department for 16 years. He was survived by his wife, son, and daughter.
Bio
- Age 41
- Tour 16 years
- Badge 9209
Incident Details
- Cause Heart attack
- Incident Date Saturday, June 20, 1987
- Weapon Person
- Offender Not available
Most Recent Reflection
View all 6 ReflectionsOver numerous years I had the pleasure of working cases with so many different Philadelphia officers and their dedication and commitment to their work and public safety was always amazing. Detective Traynor you are one of those amazing men who has undoubtedly left a legacy for the many amazing men and women who I speak of. Please know that your heroic actions, your memory, your service and your sacrifice is one that will never be forgotten. Rest in peace.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo (Retired)
Delaware State Police
June 21, 2020
Recent LODD Deaths

Corporal Christine Peters
Greenbelt Police Department, MD
EOW: January 14, 2021

Conservation Officer Steven Reighard
Iowa Department of Natural Resources, IA
EOW: January 8, 2021

Police Officer Melton "Fox" Gore
Horry County Police Department, SC
EOW: January 12, 2021

Sergeant Frederick H. "Butch" Cameron
Fairfax County Sheriff's Office, VA
EOW: January 12, 2021

Officer Troy Allen Adkins
United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - Office of Field Operations, US
EOW: December 31, 2020

Unit Team Supervisor Gabe Morales
Kansas Department of Corrections, KS
EOW: December 22, 2020

Lieutenant William Lyle Gardner
Denver City Police Department, TX
EOW: January 7, 2021

Deputy Sheriff Jane Alice Ash
Effingham County Sheriff's Office, GA
EOW: December 16, 2020

Sergeant Randall Sims
Texas Department of Criminal Justice - Correctional Institutions Division, TX
EOW: January 3, 2021