Funeral services were held Friday for Waltham, Massachusetts, Police Officer Paul Tracey, who was killed last week — along with National Grid worker Roderick Jackson — when a man crashed into a utility work site and then drove off.
Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted Church saw crowds of people gather Friday morning for Tracey’s funeral — like what was seen Thursday night as people from all over came to Waltham for his wake.
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"Today we say goodbye to Paul, but we will never let him go. He will no longer be with us, but he will live in our hearts forever," said his brother, Jim Tracey, in a eulogy.
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He touched on Tracey's life and loves — his family, the police community, the fun he had at the beach. Jim Tracey said his brother once used CPR to save a woman who'd gone into cardiac arrest at the Riviera Beach Resort in South Yarmouth.
He and others who spoke gave their thanks to the law enforcement community, which turned out in force inside and outside the church.
"The coping skill of faith is what will help you to endure, and he would not want you to have the lasting memory of him as his death, as tragic, unnecessary as it was, because he did his job," Father James DiPerri said. "He was killed in the line of duty. He was there to protect all in the public."
DiPerri noted that the family of Roderick Jackson, in mourning themselves, had attended Tracey's wake on Thursday. It brought more members of the law enforcement community, as well as family, friends and strangers, who spent hours out in the cold waiting their turn to pay their respects.
The wake ended with fireworks as people reflected on Tracey's life with his family and on his service to the public.
Tracey dedicated nearly three decades of his life to being a police officer. He was killed last week working detail while a National Grid crew was repairing a gas line, when a car crashed into Tracey and Jackson, killing them both.
"It speaks volumes for what kind of a person he was and how he lived his life and how he treated people," said Martha Tracey McCarthy, Tracey's cousin.
"I've spent so many holidays with them because I'm single and they welcomed me with open arms. They still do. I just had to come pay my respects [and] show my love," Phyllis Cashman said.
Those who want to take part can help line the procession, which will go from the church, past the Waltham Police Department and end at Mt. Feake Cemetery.
