Paul Tracey

On December 6, 2023, Police Officer Paul Tracey of the Waltham Police Department in Massachusetts was struck and killed by a vehicle while he was working a construction detail. The driver attempted to make a U-turn and collided with another vehicle. As he drove away from the accident, he struck Officer Tracey and three utility workers, one of which was also killed. He fled the scene and was later apprehended. Officer Tracey was 58 years old and had served with the department for 28 years. 

Tracey was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, one of eight children of the late Hubert Tracey and Barbara Tracey. He was a lifelong resident of Waltham, graduating from Waltham High School in 1983. He attended Bentley College and received his Bachelor’s Degree from Suffolk University, followed by his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Western New England University. Tracey held down the fort for the family when his older brothers went off to the armed forces and merchant marines. His father passed away when he was in college and his mother suffered a brain aneurysm that left her paralyzed on the left side, needing 24-hour care. She spent the last 20 years of her life confined to a wheelchair. Tracey showed his love and compassion for his mother, a trait that he carried throughout life for others. He received a Life Saving Award for an incident while he was on a family vacation. He saved the life of a woman who was overdosing on the beach with her young child. He received many more awards from his department over the years. 

Tracey found his calling in law enforcement. He joined the Waltham Police Department in 1996. His love for people, especially the youth and elderly of the community, made him thrive as an Officer. He treated everyone with the respect and dignity they deserved. He was a devoted patriot and a proud American. The thing he loved the most in the world was his family. He met his wife, Kristin, on the job, and his persistence, kindness, compassion, humor and love won her over. They married and had two children, Danika and Tyler. They loved to travel and spend time with friends and family. Since his passing, Kristin has established a foundation in his honor that supports other families who are going through a devastating loss, awards scholarships to students pursuing education in public safety and supports local charities that embrace their mission of kindness and integrity. Tracey was a hero, not for the way he died but for the way he lived.

Police Officer Paul Tracey of the Waltham Police Department in Massachusetts is survived by his loving wife, Kristin, children, Danika and Tyler, and his siblings, Michael, James, Gerald, Kathi, Patricia, and Maureen. His sister, Nancy, passed away prior to his death. He is also survived by many cherished family members and friends.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has provided the Tracey family with a mortgage-free home through the Fallen First Responder Home Program.