Lacrosse match was an emotion-filled tribute to a fallen police officer

The Waltham community packed Leary Field Saturday evening despite torrential downpours for a special lacrosse matchup between Waltham High School and Arlington Catholic. 

The game was a tribute to Paul Tracey, a Waltham police officer killed in the line of duty in December 2023. His son, Tyler Tracey, plays for Arlington Catholic, and the city turned out in full force to show support.

Spectators — many of them first responders, friends and neighbors who knew Officer Tracey — stood shoulder to shoulder in the rain in a heartfelt display of unity and respect.

The game was competitive and emotional, with Waltham pulling off a 9-7 victory, but the night was about much more than the score.