Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Vincent Gerek was shot and killed while investigating a holdup at the Kroger Grocery Store on Fourth Street at Creedmore Avenue. The gunman was mortally wounded in the exchange of gunfire with another policeman. Patrolman Gerek served with the Barberton Police Department for seven years. He was survived by his wife and 10-year-old daughter. Patrolman Gerek's badge, #8, has been permanently retired by the Barberton Police Department.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and 10-year-old daughter.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-OH-A67858BF- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Vincent. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Gerek gave the Barberton Police Department 7 years.
Thank you for your service to the Barberton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Gerek.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Vincent L. Gerek is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 officers honored here.
In OH, 572 of 991 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 57.7% of this state's fallen. That is 57.7 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Vincent L. Gerek's cause is highlighted.
How Vincent L. Gerek Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Vincent L. Gerek is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Vincent L. Gerek was killed by gun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Barberton Police Department are honored on badge.nw.