"Loved by everybody": Fallen Waltham officer mourned by family and community
WALTHAM - The family of the Waltham police officer hit and killed while on detail Monday night spoke outside court, remembering Paul Tracey as someone who was loved by all and thanking the community for their support.
"We just want to thank the Waltham community for the tremendous outpouring for our brother Paul," said Tracey's brother, Jim Tracey. "He was a tremendous husband, father, uncle and brother, and loved by everybody in the community."
Police said Tracey, 58, was working detail at a National Grid worksite on Totten Pond Road when he was struck and killed by 54-year-old Peter Simon. Also killed was 36-year-old National Grid worker Roderick Jackson.
Tracey was a 28-year veteran of the Waltham Police Department.
"Anybody who knew him, his laughter, his compassion, it will be missed," said Jim Tracey.
Waltham Police Chief Kevin O'Connell said he and his fellow officers were in court for Simon's arraignment as a show of support for both Tracey's family and Jackson's family. He asked the community to support both.
"We work hand in hand with those guys daily, we're here to protect them when we're on detail. Unfortunately, what happened yesterday, nobody saw it coming," said O'Connell.
At the Waltham Police Department, Tracey's cruiser was parked out front and members of the community came to leave flowers and pay their respects.
"I don't like when anything happens to our men in blue," said Meredith Macivor. "They need to go home safe to their families too."
One of those who came by the station was Zackery Malerba, who said Tracey was his school mentor.
"Walking around the school, he was always able to light up a room whenever somebody was having a rough day," said Malerba. "He would stop in time to time, check on all of us students."
Flags ordered at half-staff in Massachusetts
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey on Thursday ordered all state buildings to lower flags to half-staff in honor of Tracey.
"Officer Tracey dedicated his life to his community and was a hero to many whether on or off duty," Healey said in a statement. "I'm thinking about his wife Kristin, a fellow member of law enforcement, his kids, and the Waltham Police Department as they mourn this immeasurable loss."
