Retired E.C. officer was proud of his job

Retired East Chicago police Lt. Alfred Tracy was proud of his profession and strong in his beliefs.

A 25-year department veteran, Tracy served as deputy chief, detective and Juvenile Division leader, son Patrick Tracy said.

“Everything going on in East Chicago that related to juveniles, my father knew,” Patrick Tracy said. “He had a great working relationship with the schools. He took pride in his job and he loved the work.”

Alfred Tracy, whose three sons became police officers, was featured in magazine stories about his juvenile homicide cases.

“He told me, ‘It is not as many enemies as you make but how many friends that you make. Always remember that you are there to help people and that people need the police, '" Patrick Tracy said.

Well respected in his profession, Alfred Tracy had strong moral and family values and took pride in helping the city’s youth. He worked many side jobs to ensure his family had the best of everything.

“He was a disciplinarian but in the right ways,” Patrick Tracy said. “You earned his respect.”

Alfred Tracy, 83, of Crown Point and formerly of East Chicago, met his wife of 64 years, Aldona, while working at the Indiana Theater. Both were East Chicago Washington High School students.

“He was a true East Chicago person who was involved in the city and believed in the city,” his son said.

Tracy co-founded the Harbor Little League, building the first concession stand and field.

Tracy was active in the East Chicago Elks and Knights of Columbus, an organization in which he took great pride. A huge sports fan, especially Indiana University basketball, Tracy enjoyed fishing and golf.

Patrick Tracy said he will miss his father’s stories about the old days in East Chicago and his willingness to teach his grandchildren about playing sports.