Cleveland Division of Police, Ohio
End of Watch Wednesday, June 20, 1973
Add to My HeroesFrederick D. Vacha
Patrolman Fred 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. He was denied parole in 2013 and 2023. His next parole hearing will be in 2033.
Patrolman Vacha was a United States Marine Corps veteran and had served with the Cleveland Division of Police for three years. He was survived by his expectant wife, daughter, mother, father, and three brothers. His son was born seven months after he died.
Bio
- Age 25
- Tour 3 years
- Badge 2373
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun; 9 mm
- Offender Sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 28 ReflectionsNEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman John M. Donnelly of the Springfield Police Department, Ohio and the additional 64 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, 2023
Recent LODD Deaths
Police Officer Evan Dunn
Golden Police Department, CO
EOW: November 6, 2024
Police Officer Enrique Martinez
Chicago Police Department, IL
EOW: November 4, 2024
Detective Clarence E. Word, III
New York City Police Department, NY
EOW: October 1, 2024
Trooper Corey S. Thompsen
Illinois State Police, IL
EOW: October 18, 2024
Detective Maurice "Mo" Joseph
Norfolk Police Department, VA
EOW: October 9, 2024
Corrections Officer Bradford D. McNew
Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: October 12, 2024
Corporal Raymond Kuuchi
United States Department of Veterans Affairs Police Services, US
EOW: September 2, 2024
Park Ranger Kevin Melvin Grossheim
United States Department of the Interior - National Park Service, US
EOW: October 6, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Lex Allen Love
Wise County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: October 2, 2024