Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Wheeler,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

November 6, 2023

Rest in peace Officer Wheeler. So young and brave!

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 6, 2020

Leroy was one of the more interesting people that I've had the good fortune to know during my life. It seems like only yesterday he was showing me his Americal Division Vietnam Service book. We often talked in the lobby of the Green Hills Theatre where I worked and he visited as he knew or was related to many that worked there. Now, more than ever, I appreciate what a unique manly man that he was. May God hold Leroy close.

Robert Meacham
Friend

April 30, 2019

Rest in peace Officer Wheeler. Thanks for serving the Volunteer state and its residents.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 3, 2018

Thanks you for your service and sacrifice. Tonight, 40 years after your murder, "A" Shift dedicates our watch to you. R.I.P. brother.

Sgt. J.L. Slaughter
Radford Police Department, VA

November 6, 2013

Just met your 'little' brother. You would be so proud of him! RIP

Officer Brett McKay Constable
Athens, AL Police Department

September 26, 2013

Leroy:

I cannot believe it has been 39 years since the night of November 5, 1973 when the doorbell rang and we learned of your death. I have never forgotten you, my "Big Brother" and speak of you still to your 3 nephews [our 3 children] and now their children. You are always missed! My life was forever changed.....

Jerry Wheeler
Brother

July 24, 2012

Thank you Leroy, Wish we had more like ya!

Steve Taylor
Next Door Neighbor

October 5, 2011

A man to admire, a soldier, a true Warrior and a TRUE HERO. Without hesitation he gave his life to save a fellow officer. I honor you and hope that I shall be so brave in the face of danger. From one Warrior to another, God bless you SIR, and thank you for your service to this country both in the military and the PD

Lt TDW
ADOC SRP

March 31, 2011

Your memory is honored and revered on this 37th anniversary date of your tragic and needless death. I pray for solace of all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05

November 6, 2010

I am not sure what brought me to this page today. It has been many years since this brave and wonderful man lost his life on that cold November evening. As his friend stated in an earlier reflection, he was very excited to be serving as a police officer and he had planned to be a Metro officer for a very long time. This man was my every day hero and I have missed a lifetime of memories because he was taken away so soon, but as long as I live I will never forget his smile, his intelligence, his sense of humor and his love. Thank you Leroy for the time I was able to be a part of your life. You will live in my heart forever.

Jeanne Wheeler Cameron
wife

February 25, 2010

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

January 30, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your military and police service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

November 2, 2007

At the time of Leroy's death, he was one of my best friends. I had met him while serving together in the 130th Military Police Co. TNG. All he dreamed about and talked about was becoming a Metro Policeman. He was so excited when he graduated from the Police Academy and started working on the street. He loved it. I had a son born a little over a month after Leroy's death and we named him after Leroy. I have reminded my son several time that he was named after a very brave officer that gave his life for a fellow officer and the community, and he had better give honor to the name. Leroy my friend, Rest in Peace.

Barry Matthews
Fellow Soldier

January 23, 2007

Rest in Peace Officer Wheeler. You are not forgotten.

Motor Officer Danny Johnson
Metro Nashville Police Dept.

November 6, 2006

Officer Wheeler, on this 33rd anniversary of your murder I can only say how astonishing your act of heroism was. You saved your partner’s life at the expense of your own. You are truly to be admired for that selfless act. Thank you for your service with the Metro Nashville PD and also for your service to your country in Vietnam.

God Bless you and may you continue to Rest in Peace, Brother.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

November 6, 2006

After reading Officer Wheelers story all I could think was WHAT A TRUE HERO. To give his life for another without a second thought is the greatest act any person could ever do. I'm overwhelmed with admiration for this young, brave hero. Officer Wheeler is surely deserving of the highest honors both on Earth and Heaven. God bless Officer Wheeler and his family. May you rest in peace and honor.

Assistant Chief Carl Wortham
Sand Springs Police Dept. Okla