Thousands gather in Waltham for funeral for fallen officer Paul Tracey

WALTHAM, Mass. (WHDH) – Thousands of people gathered in Waltham Friday to take part in funeral services for fallen Waltham police officer Paul Tracey.

With grief still fresh following the crash that killed Tracey on Dec. 6, Tracey’s brothers delivered his eulogy, saying the 58-year-old husband, father and longtime officer “will never be forgotten.”

Tracey’s funeral procession began around 9:30 a.m. as people were beginning to file into Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted on Trapelo Road. Near 10 a.m., the hearse carrying Tracey’s casket arrived at the church after being led in the funeral procession by Tracey’s #448 police cruiser. The funeral then began inside the church shortly after 10 a.m. and wrapped up shortly before 12 p.m.

Tracey’s casket was later escorted away from the church and past Waltham police headquarters early Friday afternoon on its way to a private burial at Mount Feake Cemetery. Law enforcement lined the route, as did members of the general public.

“Our hearts are broken for the Tracey family and we’re just here to support them,” one funeral attendee said earlier in the morning.

—

WATCH: Casket carrying fallen Waltham officer Paul Tracey arrives at church ahead of funeral

—

The funeral for Tracey included a full Catholic mass. In addition to the eulogy from Tracey’s brothers, other family members including his daughter and godson also spoke.

In his remarks, Jim Tracey, flanked on either side by fellow surviving brothers Gerry and Michael, highlighted the impact Paul had on their family, their community, and the police force.

“As a family, this is the hardest thing we have ever had to do – where do we begin?” Jim said. “How do you capture in words, in just a few minutes, the life of a man who meant so much to so many?”

Jim emphasized his brother’s faith and his love of country.

“Paul lost his life in the line of duty doing what he loved most – protecting and serving the citizens of Waltham – and he is leaving behind a great legacy for the rest of us to follow,” he said.

—

WATCH: Paul Tracey eulogized by brother Jim

—

Tracey’s funeral came nine days after Tracey and National Grid worker Roderick Jackson were killed on Dec. 6 in a crash on Totten Pond Road in Waltham.

The funeral, in turn, came a day after large crowds gathered on Thursday for Tracey’s wake.

The community has been grieving Tracey since his death, mourning a man who served Waltham’s police department for nearly three decades.

“He was a great, just an overall great person,” said Tracey’s cousin, John Kabey on Thursday.

“Tragic for the family, tragic for the department, tragic for all the community,” said Watertown Police Chief Justin Hanrahan.

Thursday’s wake included a law enforcement walkthrough involving agencies from across the region. With law enforcement set to gather again on Friday, Hanrahan continued in his comments.

“You have to go forward,” he said. “This is a job we have to show up for every day. Even when something tragic like this happens, we have to continue to do our jobs.”

Hanrahan further discussed the sense of camaraderie around services in Waltham, saying the sight of communities coming together “actually lifts your spirit to some extent.”

“When you see people coming from all over, officers coming from across the country, it does give you some pride in knowing there’s people that really care,” he said.

—

WATCH: Retired State Police lieutenant discusses outpouring of law enforcement support after officer’s death

—

Many on Friday packed Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted. Still more filled the church’s parking lot.

“It was amazing to see all the neighboring police, the color guard, the fire,” said Waltham resident Dena Ventura. “It was the most moving thing I’ve ever been to in my entire life.”

Ventura discussed Tracey’s impact, saying he was “respected by all.”

“There has been so many nice things going around about all the things he did for everybody in the community with the elderly, the kids,” she said.

“Everyone thought the world of him,” said fellow Waltham resident Jeanne Moloney. “He was just a wonderful person.”

Outside the church, all eyes were on a large screen broadcasting the funeral inside.

With children holding American flags and families paying their respects, some said they felt the Tracey family’s heartache even though they didn’t know Tracey personally.

“I just want the family to know Waltham is behind them and praying for them,” said Nadia Frederique.

“This is what Waltham is,” Moloney said.

—

WATCH: Crowd fills church parking lot during fallen officer’s funeral

—

Authorities have accused Peter Simon, 54, of striking Tracey and Jackson before fleeing the scene last week.

Simon, according to Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan, next ditched his pickup truck, fled on foot and stole a police cruiser at knifepoint. Ryan said Simon led police on a chase in the stolen cruiser and was eventually taken into custody after crashing the cruiser on a dead-end road.

Simon was arraigned on multiple charges in connection with last Wednesday’s events and ordered held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing.

Waltham police have continued their investigation, in the meantime, most recently asking anyone with relevant information or video to contact authorities.

Outside Waltham, mourners are set to gather again on Saturday in Cambridge for Roderick Jackson’s visitation and funeral services at St. Paul AME church in Cambridge.

RELATED

Trending