Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

With police sirens in the distance, patrolman killed 100 years ago honored
Buffalo News July 21, 2019

The wail of distant police sirens could be heard Sunday afternoon at the start of the 100th anniversary gathering to pay tribute to fallen Buffalo Patrolman Herman A. Radel.

It was an unlikely coincidence at the Delaware Park ceremony, which a century ago could not have been imagined when Radel and Patrolman Fred Pauley were killed in a police car chase. Back then, in 1919, most officers patrolled either on foot or on horses.

Packed onto the Marcy Casino patio — not far from where the patrolmen were killed at Delaware Avenue and Nottingham Terrace when they were thrown from their vehicle against a tree — some 80 descendants and another 80 friends listened to elected officials and police brass praise Radel.

Mayor Byron W. Brown and Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn thanked the Radel family for keeping alive the memory of their ancestor, and by extension, all officers who make the ultimate sacrifice. The Radel family had attempted to locate members of the Pauley family to join in the tribute, but were unsuccessful.

Deputy Police Commissioners Joseph A. Gramaglia and Barbara Lark also offered gratitude, saying Sunday's event was a tribute not only to Radel and Pauley but to the 49 other city officers killed in the line of duty since 1865.


Capturing the essence of the unlikely gathering, Police Commissioner Byron C. Lockwood told the Radels: “His life now lives in you.”

Taking it all in from the front row “seat of honor” was 95-year-old Margaret Radel, the oldest living member of the Radel clan. She is the widow of the patrolman’s youngest child, Arthur. With a vase of white roses on a table beside her, she beamed as she accepted an American flag that was part of the department honor guard’s opening ceremony.

Tracy Cegielski, a great-granddaughter and head of the Buffalo Police Department's computer operation, accepted a proclamation honoring Radel from the mayor.

“I didn't know about my great-grandfather until my Grandpa Art told me when I started with the police department in 1994,” Cegielski said. “I thought it was kind of cool I could keep up the family tradition, even though I’m not a sworn officer.”

At the end of the ceremony, Chief of Detectives Dennis J. Richards confirmed that the distant police sirens were unplanned.

But the sirens fit in, a symbol that police work continues no matter what.

Retired Police Officer
NYPD

July 21, 2019

Patrolman Pauley,
On today, the 100th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you to you and your Partner for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Buffalo.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol
El Paso Station

July 19, 2019

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service. Never forgotten.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA

July 19, 2019

Always remembered

Jeannette Shields
WNY Concerns ofPoliceSurvivors

July 16, 2019

Patrolman Pauley,
On today, the 98th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you to you and your Partner for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Buffalo.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

July 19, 2017

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 91rst anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

July 19, 2010

I said a little prayer today for Patrolman Pauley and his family. He may be gone but never forgotten. He will always be a New York HERO.

Robyn Wilkes

July 16, 2009

MY BROTHER, MAY GOD BLESS YOU. A HERO FOR SURE. GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN. REST IN PEACE.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

July 19, 2004