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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
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 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
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Vincent is the only officer of Barberton Police Department remembered here.
Vincent is one of 572 officers killed feloniously in OH, 57.6% of the 993 remembered there.
Vincent is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Vincent is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1948, 5 officers in OH were killed feloniously, the 37th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1916, with 17.
In 1948, 80 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 84th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1948, 81 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 87th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Vincent was 38. Of the 552 killed feloniously in OH whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46; the middle age was 38. Vincent had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Vincent was 38. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Vincent had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Vincent was 38. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Vincent had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 9.6% of these deaths in OH, more than any other month. Fridays: 13.3%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Fridays: 14.3%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Barberton Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.6% of all 993 deaths in OH, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 24.7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 39-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Barberton Police Department are honored on badge.nw.