Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Fred Vacha was shot and killed as he and his partner patrolled a high-crime area as part of the Impact Task Force. The two officers observed a man carrying a handgun on his right side and pulled up alongside him. As Patrolman Vacha called out to the man, the suspect immediately opened fire with a 9mm handgun. One of the rounds struck Patrolman Vacha in the head, killing him instantly. The other officer was struck in the ankle and wounded. The suspect was arrested a short time later. He was sentenced to two life sentences for Patrolman Vacha's death. He was denied parole in 2013 and 2023. His next parole hearing will be in 2033. Patrolman Vacha was a United States Marine Corps veteran and had served with the Cleveland Division of Police for three years. He was survived by his expectant wife, daughter, mother, father, and three brothers. His son was born seven months after he died.
Survivors
He was survived by his expectant wife, daughter, mother, father, and three brothers.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-OH-E5D4D66B- 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 served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Patrolman Vacha gave the Cleveland Division of Police 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Cleveland community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Frederick D. Vacha served in the United States military before joining law enforcement. Full service record available on salute.nw.
Patrolman Frederick D. Vacha 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%.
At Cleveland Division of Police, 83 of 119 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 69.7% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Frederick D. Vacha's cause is highlighted.
How Frederick D. Vacha Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Frederick D. Vacha is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Frederick D. Vacha was killed by handgun; 9 mm.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
118 officers from Cleveland Division of Police are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
