Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Thank you Officer Tracz and the Tracz Family for your service.

Carol

December 10, 2010

I recently read that your murderer must spend another 10 years before his next parole hearing. I'm sorry your sentence was a lifetime. I was only 5 years old, growing up in the Canton area when you died. I dont remember the incident, but I spent much time in Cleveland growing up, so the area is like home. I have since moved to Phoenix and I am a fellow brother in blue now. While I continue the watch, you should be enjoying your retirement sir. For that I am so sorry. To your remaining friends and family, I know the pain never goes away and you are not forgotten either. Rest easy sir.

Officer
Phoenix PD

February 11, 2010

It's my understanding that the killer of this hero is coming up for a parole hearing. Officer Tracz will never get such a chance. Therefore, why are we as a society even considering letting this useless scumbag loose on our streets again?

Dan Cockerham, Retired P.O.
Columbus, Ohio

October 8, 2009

Officer Tracz, I was only a year old when you were killed in the line of duty, but I lived on your street and used to play with your son Joe. I heard many stories about you and I'm sure I would have loved to have known you.

Rest in peace,

John

John Nelson
a neighbor of yours

May 28, 2009

Officer Tracz your work on this Earth as we know it is done. You are in God's Hands now brother. May you rest in peace.

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee

May 27, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

December 31, 2007

My prayers are with you and your family on this anniversary. Rest easy Brother.

Former N.H. Police Officer
Fauquier County, VA

September 28, 2007

My deepest sympathy to your family and all who loved you, Joe. I lived on your street, and I was a friend to your sister, Joan. I remember you in the rec room lifting weights. I guess you were getting and staying strong, because you wanted to be a police officer so very much back then. I had moved and lost touch with your sister when I heard about you, and I was crushed. You were such a nice guy, such a good son and brother, and the thought of your wife expecting a baby about killed me. I've never forgotten you, Joe. A hero lives forever. I'm so sorry you had to leave us so soon. I'll see you in heaven.

Carol Wade
Your Neighbor

April 14, 2007

Fallen, but NEVER forgotten.

Joanie
Mother, daughter, sister, and granddau. of LEO's

September 28, 2006

I was saddened by the violent event that took Joe's life. We served together in the 82nd Administration Company in 1965-66. Joe was an imposing individual, yet he was a gentle soul. My heartfelt sorrow goes out to his family.

Tom Corneau
82nd Airborne Brother

May 24, 2006

On Peace Officer Memorial weekend 2006... please watch over us our brother as we honor your legacy! May God watch over you and bless your family on this occasion I'm sure they are thinking of you.

Officer Margery Gerbec #2490
Cleveland Police Department

May 19, 2006

Although we never met him, we miss him. We wish everyday that he could be a part of our lives. I am the wife of the son he never got to meet - the son his wife Linda was pregnant with when his life was taken. I believe he "knows", but it might please others to know that his son, Joe, is a wonderful person, husband, and father. We have three daughters who adore their grandmother and bring her so much happiness! Until we can all be together...we will remember & miss him.

Nancy Tracz

Nancy Tracz
Daughter-in-law

April 26, 2006

I was born the day after you were shot and killed in the line of duty... knowing what I know now I wonder how you were honored and if my parents remember this incident.

Please know that you are not forgotten and my God watch over you and your family.

Sincerely,
Margery Gerbec #2490
Cleveland Police Department
Hired September 28, 1998

Officer Margery Gerbec
Cleveland Police Department

April 4, 2006

Dear Officer Tracz,

Although I was only two years old the day you gave the ultimate sacrifice I remember the day well.

Your bravery and sacrifice directly impacted my life. I believe your actions saved your partner from losing his life that September evening. Your partner is my Father. I am so grateful for your actions to spare my Father's life.

A hero is never forgotten. You are a hero to me. I will never forget you Officer Tracz. I salute you on the anniversary of that cold September night. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Sincerely,

Officer Michele Fulton

Officer Fulton
RPD

September 28, 2005

On the anniversary of your death, I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

A hero never dies.....

Rest in peace, hero.

September 28, 2004

I thank you for your service and salute you for your sacrifice.

Rest in peace, hero.

A grateful citizen.

September 23, 2004

Rest in Peace Brother...you will not be forgotten

CPD