Baltimore City Police Department, Maryland
End of Watch Monday, July 20, 1981
Reflections for Police Officer Ronald L. Tracey
Ron
You taught me how to police. Will always remember.
Jeff Mohn
Police Officer
BPD Western District
January 15, 2022
I still remember that night as though it was yesterday. All of sector three was out of service except for you. I heard you get the call. Over the radio came chatter you were shot and taken to Bon Secours Hospital. When I got there you were gone. I cried that night. Rest in peace my friend.
Patrolman Raymond C. Bryant (Retired)
Baltimore City Police Department Western District
May 6, 2021
Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten. Rest in peace always.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
July 20, 2020
Ron, I never got to meet you but I've heard a great deal about the type of man and police officer you were. Although I never met you I hope I am conducting myself in my police career as you did in yours and I hope I am making you proud. You ill never be forgotten.
Det. Wayne Tracey (Cousin)
Prince George's County Police Department
August 2, 2019
Ron I think about you more and more the older I get. You were my Uncle and my best buddy. I think about what you would have been like as an adult because you were taken away at such a young age 28. I wonder if you would have had children and how the dynamics of our family would have been different if you were still alive. I remember so clearly the horror of the night we were told about your death and how I felt such rage over how a lowlife stole your life from us in such a careless senseless act that would leave such a void in so many of our lives thereafter. Just recently that lowlife was given parole to walk the streets freely again while your family and friends still mourn your loss. I miss you. I miss the memories of you and I miss the thousands of more memories I could have made with you. We all cherished the short time you had with us and we will always carry you in our hearts. Love you.
Lorraine Odom Brown
Niece
May 8, 2016
First my prayers for you Officer Tracey and your family but knowing that the thug who like a coward attacked you from behind, stole your gun, murdered you, is out on parole breathing the air he took from you DISTURBS me greatly!
J. Gantner
Grandson, Son, Brother of NJ P.O.'s and NJSP
February 14, 2016
You may be gone my friend but you are certainly not forgotten. I was in roll call at the Western as citizens called in your need for assistance, those of us who could not get cars ran to your location. I know you would have done the same. I regret we could not get there in time. I hope you are at peace. As I near the end of my career, now in Florida, you and the others from the Western and Baltimore P.D. will always be with me.
Officer Joseph Goslin BPD session 80-6
Orlando Sanford Airport Police
May 5, 2015
Rest in Peace my dear brother. Your kindness to this rookie officer will always be remembered. I was the 6th car at the scene of the shooting but, alas, it was too late.
Police Officer Joel E. Gordon
Baltimore City Police Department
March 26, 2014
Ron, rest in peace. As I write this I am one block away from where you were killed. I think of you every time I pass that intersection and was working another district the night you were killed.
I just want you to know that you are not forgotten.
Police Officer Richard L. Way right II.
Baltimore City Police Department
March 19, 2014
Rest in peace and may god bless you
Lt. J.P.
B.P.D.
July 20, 2012
Your heroism and service is honored today, the 29th 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 who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.
Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.
I pray for the solace of all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.
Phyllis Loya
Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
July 20, 2010
I met Officer Tracey the night that he and my father, the late Sergeant Walter Johnson were involved in a shooting back in 1979. He was a great man whom I hope is admired for his heroism and valiant duty. I know that you and my father can be partners once again after 31 years in heaven.
Stephen Johnson
May 23, 2010
I first went in to policing by joining Baltimore PD from 1979-1981 and there worked with Ron at the Western District. Prior to his death I joined the Houston PD and while in the HPD academy was advised his his death. Ron was a fine, dedicated police officer.
Capt W. C. Staney
Houston Police Department
February 5, 2010
I worked with Ron at the Federal Reserve Bank before he became a police officer. I still remember him proudly announcing his intention of becoming a police officer. I and other co-workers felt good about Ron's decision. He was so dedicated and determined to make everything he touched perfect. He was great with everybody. He didn't care if it was the President or the Janitor. He always left them with a smile on their face.
I still think of him often, especially when another officer joins the fallen. It is hard to believe he would be over 50 years old now. I will always remember him forever young. I'm sure you are at peace in God's hands.
Les Brown
Former Co-worker
April 4, 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
November 7, 2007
Ron and I were childhood friends from Hampden. We shared the alley between his home on Power Street and mine on West 35th St. We had a great time as kids, playing stick ball and such. Ron's dad was a retired BCPD officer who died relatively young...he was shot on duty in the 60's and was never in very good health after that.
I often think of Ron and of that terrible day when his life was taken from him. We miss you Ron...God bless you.
Jeff Cover
Anne Arundel County Police Dept
October 12, 2007
Ron was my cousin. when I was a child I remember Ron dressing up as Santa Clause and visiting all the kids. He was a good hearted person who shared his love for life with everyone.
God bless you Ron, We all miss you very much.
Till we meet again,
Rich
Officer Rich Beam
MdTA Police And Cousin
November 5, 2006
Your community owes you a debt they cannot repay. Rest in Peace. God Bless.
A Texas Peace Officer
March 14, 2006
When I heard of this site Ron was the first of my friends I remembered having made the ultimate sacrifice. Ron was my patrol leader in Boy Scout Troop 151. He was a great friend and mentor. We had pizza the night before his death..... I missed him then, and still do.
Rest in Peace my friend.
Retired Detective Pete Baker
Baltimore City Police Department
March 1, 2006
Rest in peace brother. May God bless you and your family.
Patrolman
February 24, 2006
We ask Thy blessings and eternal rest to all our brothers and sisters
Who have sacrificed their very lives in the performance of
their duties. Give their loved ones the peace and
Strength to bear the anguish of their loss. Remove all
resentment from their hearts, knowing that eternal
peace and rest will abide their departed loved ones
forever. This we beg, Thy name forever and ever,
Amen.
Ret. Officer William Hackley
Baltimore Police
November 21, 2005
Rest in Peace, Brother. Know that your sacrifice will never be forgotten. Serve with pride at the right hand of the Father and watch over those you left behind, protecting them from evil.
A Squad
Woodbridge CT PD
January 30, 2005
Rest In Peace, Your sacrifice will not be forgotten .
Police Officer
Chicago Police Dept.
November 14, 2004
No peace officer is without reflection. Thank you for your service brother. God bless you and rest easy. Know that you are not forgotten.
Deputy M. Moore
Warren County S.O. (OH)
December 9, 2003
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