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
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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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 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 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 3.5 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
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
Offender Outcome
Shot and killed
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; unknown type.