Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

NEVER FORGET! Honoring the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman Vincent L. Gerek of the Barberton Police Department, Ohio, and the additional 115 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer (Retired)
Ohio Attorneys General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

December 24, 2024

Patrolman Gerek,
On today, the 75th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Barberton. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

December 24, 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 Vincent L. Gerek of the Barberton Police Department, Ohio and the additional 115 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

December 24, 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 Vincent L. Gerek of the Barberton Police Department, Ohio and the additional 110 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

December 24, 2022

Rest in peace Patrolman Gerek.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 25, 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 Vincent L. Gerek of the Barberton Police Department, Ohio and the additional 107 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

December 24, 2021

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorney Generals Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of
Patrolman Vincent L. Gerek of the Barberton Police Department, Ohio and the additional 102 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

December 24, 2020

Growing up in barberton going to Kroger's was often told about that night I want his family and friends to know we thank you for his service my granddaughter 18 and grandson 14 and son in law was murdered in 2013 and the the first responders were great and they cried with us and found these two men so this holiday season I'm thankful and want to say stay safe thank you for your service and thank your families for thier service

423 wooster rd n

December 24, 2018

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Westerville, Ohio Division of Police, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Patrolman Vincent L. Gerek of the Barberton Police Department, Ohio and the additional 98 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Chief Joe Morbitzer
Westerville, Ohio Division of Police

December 24, 2017

Vincent Gerek is my mother's uncle. She has told us about his tragic death and how it occurred on Christmas Eve. He will not be forgotten.

Leon Shinsky
Great nephew

February 1, 2016

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 63rd 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 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.

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

December 25, 2011

I see Officer Gerek's badge on the wall at BPD every time I go in there. It reminds me of the danger, when responding to robbery calls even though many of them are false alarms.
I saw an old newspaper clipping that told the story of this tragedy and how the merchants raised $300.00 for Gereks Widow and daughter. I wonder where the daughter is today and if she knows that we all remember her Father and the sacrifice he made for the city and citizens.

K9 Officer
Wadsworth PD

January 26, 2008

Officer Gerek,
I remember as a child in the early 70's seeing your memorial in the Barberton Police Station. I have always remembered you and what you gave to protect the citizens.
I pray that your family found some peace knowing that you are a true hero. God Bless
Barberton
Summit Co.
Ohio

December 27, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

VanDenBerghe
Manchester, nh

December 12, 2007

"BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS FOR THEY ARE THE SONS OF GOD"
R.I.P. BROTHER, YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN

DEPUTY SHERIFF
L.A.S.D.

May 28, 2007

WE HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN WHAT YOU GAVE TO HELP PROTECT OUR STREETS HERE IN BARBERTON. GOD BLESS

August 5, 2005