Detective Gerard W. Traynor, Philadelphia Police Department, Pennsylvania

Detective Gerard W. Traynor

Philadelphia Police Department, Pennsylvania

End of Watch Sunday, June 21, 1987

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Gerard W. Traynor

Detective Gerard Traynor suffered a fatal heart attack shortly after running to help another officer who was struggling with a prisoner who was attempting to escape.

Detective Traynor was on duty in the Northwest Detective Division at 5960 N Broad Street when he heard another detective call for help. He ran to the detective's aid and found an escaping prisoner attacking the detective. Detective Traynor pulled the attacker off the other detective and fought with him as they fell to the floor. With the aid of other detectives, they were able to regain control of the prisoner. The following morning Detective Traynor suffered a heart attack and was pronounced dead at 6:25 a.m.

Officer Traynor had served with the Philadelphia Police Department for 16 years. He was survived by his wife, son, and daughter.

Bio

Age 41
Tour 16 years
Badge 9209

Incident Details

Cause Heart attack
Incident Date Saturday, June 20, 1987
Weapon Person
Offender Not available

escape attempt, officer assistance

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Heavenly Father, You are Compassionate and Merciful. None of America’s Peace Officers leave home without the fear of not returning at the end of their watch. It is a fear that is lived daily. Unfortunately, the worst does sometimes come to pass, and lives are left shattered. Lord God, bless and keep the hearts and souls of those who have lost loved ones in the line of duty. Wipe away the tears from their eyes. Soothe their pain and bind up their emotional wounds through the wounds of Your beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. In His name, and by His authority, I pray. Amen.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons [children] of God.” [Matthew 5:9 ESV]

“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” [Isaiah 6:8 ESV]

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and staff, they comfort me." [Psalm 23:4 ESV]

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." [Matthew 5:4 ESV]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, NACM
Ordained Independent NACM Minister
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
Member: Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers - USA

Captain Steven R. Closs (Retired)
Nashua NH Police Department (1974-1998)

June 21, 2025