Officer Armond VanCleave

His son, Armond “Buddy” VanCleave, Jr., followed in his father’s footsteps and became a police officer with the Louisville Division of Police (later the Louisville Metro Police Dept.). He spent more than half his career in the Traffic Unit, and was a trained Fatal Team investigator. As a lieutenant I ran the Traffic Unit for 6 years. Buddy was one of the hardest working officers I ever met in my 29 years as a police officer. More impressive is the fact that he took the word “Service” - emblazoned on our patch - to heart. He truly loved helping people, and consistently went “above and beyond”. Buddy was severely injured while helping a motorist stopped in a dangerous turn on the interstate. A car going too fast around a sharp turn lost control and veered towards the motorist and Buddy. Buddy pushed the motorist out of the way, saving his life. Buddy however was struck in front of a guardrail, pushing him back and snapping his tibia. He had numerous surgeries, and returned to work. But the damage and pain was severe, and he eventually retired.
I was proud to be his supervisor, and even more proud to call him my friend. His father, especially, would be proud beyond measure.

Lieutenant Doug Sweeney (Rtd)
Louisvile Metro Police Dept.

April 1, 2020