Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

NEVER 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

Patrolman Vacha,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Cleveland. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

June 20, 2023

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman Frederick D. Vacha of the Cleveland Division of Police, Ohio and the additional 63 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, 2022

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman Frederick D. Vacha of the Cleveland Division of Police, Ohio and the additional 63 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, 2021

Fred
It was 47 years ago yesterday that you were taken from us. ( my phone was not working )

GOD bless you and your family

I have a tribute to you online at bpapa.2ya.com#FredVacha

Bill Tomsick

Friend William Tomsick
Friend

June 21, 2020

Rest in peace Patrolman Vacha.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 28, 2019

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman Frederick D. Vacha of the Cleveland Division of Police, Ohio and the additional 59 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation

June 20, 2019

Your legacy lives on. Your brother was, and your son is a fine example of a man. Littlest Freddie and my daughter are playmates. God bless your legacy Fred.

Detective Mike Malainy
Mentor police

June 20, 2018

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Westerville, Ohio Division of Police, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman Frederick D. Vacha of the Cleveland Police Department, Ohio and the additional 56 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Chief Joe Morbitzer
Westerville, Ohio Division of Police

June 20, 2018

I met Fred in High School 1965 he was a nice kid,
I found the details of his murder a few years ago and by a strange coincidence I went to college with his parter John Saccany 1966 1967 he was injured in Fred's shooting

And I worked with johns dad until he too was shot and killed by a friend of his.

God Bless you Fred

William Tomsk
High School friend

July 22, 2016

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

June 21, 2015

IN HONORE CASORUM
Always honored and never forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and collegues.

Sgt. T. J. Jones
Greater Cleveland Transit Police Department, Ohio

June 20, 2014

I sent my letter in about a week ago. I was glad to do it. These men protect us. I pray that the killer stays where he is.

Leitutenit Troy N Houghtaling SR
Five Star Process Service and Repossession

May 28, 2013

A "No parole" letter has been sent, so your cowardly killer remains locked up and denied the pleasure of living in a world that you made safe for all of us.

Billy Russo (Det. Ret.)
Nassau County Police Dept. NY

May 28, 2013

I was honored to send off my 'No Parole' letter today for you, my brother in blue. Thank you for your sacrifice and may you forever, rest in peace. You are a true AMERICAN HERO !!!

My prayers continue to be with your family, friends and co-workers.

HEROES NEVER DIE...

Sgt. Mitch Cheselka (Retired)
Orange County Sheriff, California
Polk County Sheriff, Oregon

May 28, 2013

RIP Brother of the Badge, God bless your Family, Friends and Department. My letter went out this Morning to the Ohio Parole Board to help keep the POS that Murdered you in Prison.

Bob Reed, Retired Police Officer
South Lake Tahoe Police Department

May 28, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 39th anniversary year 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 that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Thanks to your family and friends for sharing their devotion to you through their reflections.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

November 27, 2012

IN HONORE CASORUM
Gone, but not forgotten.

Sgt. T. J. Jones
Greater Cleveland Transit Police Department

June 20, 2012

RIP my Brother.

Deputy S. Yates
Covinton County Sheriff's Dept. (Mississippi)

June 28, 2010

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN BROTHER. R.I.P. WE HAVE THE WATCH.

SGT. J.L. SLAUGHTER
RADFORD CITY DEPARTMENT OF POLICE

June 20, 2009

Dad,

I have come across this web-site in the wake of the parole hearing. I'm so glad I did because it's nice to be able to come to this site and see your face anytime that I want.

Although it was a long time ago, hardly a day goes by that I don't think of you. I miss you and love you, always have and always will!

Tanya

Tanya
Daughter

March 30, 2008

There is an online petition to keep Fred's Murderer IN jail he is up for parole May 2008

Search "Fred Vacha Petition"

Bill
High School Friend

March 21, 2008

You'll never be forgotten.

Your brothers at CPD are making sure the POS that murdered you will be staying in jail for life.

R. Thompson

March 14, 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

Fred

I went to high school with you and remember you.

I found this site while searching for your name "Fred Vacha Died Duty" and found another site which led me to this one

Thank you and your family for your sacrifice

Bill Tomsick
Son of Adolph Tomsick Cleveland Police Detective - retired 1972 died 1993

Bill Tomsick
High School Classmate

October 9, 2007