Thousands Gather in Waltham for Funeral of Fallen Police Officer Paul Tracey
WALTHAM, Mass. (WHDH) – Thousands of people gathered in Waltham Friday to take part in funeral services for fallen Waltham police officer Paul Tracey.
Funeral Procession and Service
By 9:30 a.m., the funeral procession was underway and people were beginning to file into Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted on Trapelo Road. Near 10 a.m., the hearse carrying Tracey’s casket arrived at the church after being led in the funeral procession by Tracey’s #448 police cruiser. The funeral began inside the church shortly after 10 a.m.
“Our hearts are broken for the Tracey family and we’re just here to support them,” one funeral attendee said earlier in the morning.
Full Catholic Mass and Eulogies
The funeral for Tracey is scheduled to include a full Catholic mass. Tracey’s brothers are expected to deliver his eulogy. Other family members including his daughter and godson are also scheduled to speak.
A Tragic Loss
The funeral comes nine days after Tracey and National Grid worker Roderick Jackson were killed on Dec. 6 in a crash on Totten Pond Road in Waltham.
The community has been grieving Tracey since his death, mourning a man who served Waltham’s police department for nearly three decades.
“He was a great, just an overall great person,” said Tracey’s cousin, John Kabey on Thursday.
Law Enforcement Support
Thursday’s wake included a law enforcement walkthrough involving agencies from across the region. With law enforcement set to gather again on Friday, Watertown Police Chief Justin Hanrahan discussed the sense of camaraderie around services in Waltham.
“You have to go forward,” he said. “This is a job we have to show up for every day. Even when something tragic like this happens, we have to continue to do our jobs.”
Hanrahan further discussed the outpouring of support from law enforcement, saying the sight of communities coming together “actually lifts your spirit to some extent.”
Accused Suspect and Investigation
Authorities have accused Peter Simon, 54, of striking Tracey and Jackson before fleeing the scene last week.
Simon was arraigned on multiple charges in connection with last Wednesday’s events and ordered held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing.
Waltham police have continued their investigation, most recently asking anyone with relevant information or video to contact authorities.
Upcoming Funeral for Roderick Jackson
Outside Waltham, mourners are set to gather again on Saturday in Cambridge for Roderick Jackson’s visitation and funeral at St. Paul AME church in Cambridge.
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