Officer Down Memorial Page

I remember you, for some reason, after all of these years. I remember hearing the news story one morning about your death. I pray that your family and department stay safe and may you rest in peace. Thank you for your ultimate sacrifice to keep a thankless, miserable city safe. Flint didn't deserve a person as kind and nice as you.

CPL Kerr
US Army
August 7, 2011

les, you and i go back to the good ole beechtree days when you were a dj. we been friends since that time. i miss the old and newer days with you. god is keeping you and caring for your family.

may you remain at peace and we will remember you

a friend from the old days...

fpd sergeant
flint police dept
October 3, 2009

On this the tenth anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Officer Keely. I am so humbled by your valor and courage.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Leslie gave to his community and the citizens of our country, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on September 24, 1999.

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

Anonymous
September 25, 2009

Well hard to beleive it has been 10 years since you left us. Still think about you every single day. I bet you and Clarance are having a ball together right now. I miss you so much it hurts sometimes. At the fire station I try to act the same way you would. Always pulling pranks and telling jokes to keep everyone happy and on there toes. Its gotten me in trouble a time or 2 but i am sure you would approve. Just letting you know how much I love you and miss you.

Chad J. Barnes
Nephew
September 24, 2009

Les, Where has the time gone? It has been almost ten years since you were suddenly taken from us. I will never forget you and how you touched my life. For those of us who were lucky enough to serve with you, you will never be forgotten.

Lt. William Khouri (retired)
Flint Police Department
September 10, 2009

I still remember you working security details at the old IMA. I was young and working a Toughman contest in one of the corners. A drunk fan got out of control and you were there to take care of the situation. You maybe gone, but you're not forgotten. Hard to believe it's almost been 10 years.

Deputy Sheriff
Livingston Co Sheriff (MI)
August 31, 2009

Still thinking about you brother. Your jokes and memories still live on.

CB
April 3, 2009

You're not forgotten. Rest in peace, Sir.

Deputy
Michigan
August 18, 2008

"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
November 14, 2007

I could sure go for a good dose of Uncle Les humor. We all miss you so very much.

October 23, 2007

My father, Arthur LaVigne, and my brother, Gary LaVigne both retired from Flint P.D. May God bless you for your service and sacrifice. Rest in Peace.

Former Res. Deputy Alan LaVigne
Vigo County, IN
September 25, 2007

Les,
I can't believe its been 8 years since you left us. I miss you daily and the way you made me laugh. I know you have the angels laughing like never before!
Miss you!
A Friend Forever

September 24, 2007

I still miss & think about you Les. You're gone but certainly not forgotten.

Mike

Mike McPherson
cousin
August 31, 2007

OFFICER KEELY, YOU HAVE SERVED WELL. MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. A HERO FOR SURE. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE. MAY GOD BLESS THOSE WHO STILL LOVE AND MISS YOU.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.
August 28, 2007

Les,

I remember a call that we were on together and was telling the story the other day. I was a newly promoted road Sergeant and was called to a scene where you were sent to check the welfare of a homeowner. You and I along with other officers checked the house, spoke with neighbors etc. and all signs indicated that the homeowner was in the house and was unresponsive to our attempts to alert our presence.

We forced entry on the house. You and I proceeded upstairs and you called me to the bedroom, where the homeowner was in the bed. We both thought that she was passed as we had about knocked the door off the hinges knocking on it.

You reached down to check for a pulse, when her wrist in your hand, she jumped up and started screaming. You and I both jumped about three feet in the air.

You handled the situation with your usual comedic way. You were truly a special person and your humor will be missed. I justed wanted to relate this story which is my favorite memory of us at work.

God keep you until we meet again brother.

FPD Sergeant
April 27, 2007

When I worked for the Flint Police from 1997-1999, I had the pleasure of being partnered with Les a few times and I enjoyed every minute and can even say learned a lot. I don't like having to say goodbye to my brothers and sisters in Law Enforcement.
Les, I will miss you and I am glad to say I worked with you.
Peace be with you my friend.

Criminal Investigator Philip Mata
Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Police
April 19, 2007

On January 4th I drove past the Flint Golf Club, with no snow on the ground and thought of you. I could just see you out there golfing. I still can't figure out why you keep hitting that little white ball away fom you then chasing after it. Anyway, just thinking about you. C.B.

Ofc Clarence Banks
Partner / Friend
January 4, 2007

I have thought of Les many times since the tragic morning in 1999. Les looked out for my wife as her police career was starting which helped alot because Flint is a tough city. We talked a few times and we had military humor in common. We also talked about his sons and of my son and daughter and about the cost of college. He was a true "good guy". Me and my wife did not get to come to his funeral because our daughter was bit by a dog in her face the day prior, but our prayers have went out to his family. We recently lost another friend (Cpl Jason Makowski Dbn Hts PD) in the line of duty and through out all the grieving for Jason me and my wife still felt an emptiness for the loss of Les. We will never forget Les.

CPL Bruce Krot
Dearborn Heights Police Department
July 17, 2006

Les,
It feels like just yesteray we were back in the Tech area telling jokes! (Remember the one about the rookie and the 6-pack!?) I think of you often and every now and then stop to plant a little kisser on your plaque that hangs in the hall.
You were taken from us for a reason that we'll never know, but I can't imagine that heaven would need you more than we do down here. You are truly a gem and I miss your smile.

Michele

Michele Mahalak
Flint PD
May 20, 2006

I just seen your wife and son at the Airport returning from a trip. It seems like yesterday that we lost you. I have not forgot about all the good times. Still thinking about you. CC

Chris Curnow
Bishop Airport police (retired Flint PD)
April 18, 2006

Les,
Although I bearly remember you I always heard good things about you, I really miss you and now I see that the lord needed a good guy up there, and he picked you. Not a day I'm at the police Station and always look at the Plaque that was made in your honor. Les, Everyone misses you espacilly Blake, Brandon, And most of all Lisa.
I know I will see you soon (hopefully not to soon) and will remember what a great officer you were and a great friend.
Michael Forystek

P.S. Say Hi to my uncle Wayne Forystek and Uncle Bob Forystek for me. Good Bye

Michael Forystek
Dave's Son and Blake's Friend
March 10, 2006

Hey Les not a day goes by that I dont think of you in some way, shape or form. I know you are up above us all making sure we are out of harms way. I miss you so much that it hurts to think about it. You were more than a uncle you were my friend and whenever I had a problem no matter how small I know I could come to you and you would help however you could. We had alot of great times together and whenever I see some of the officers you worked with they always have a story about you that brings a smile to my face. I know that god must have needed a good laugh and a little protection to call such a beloved person like yourself to his side. I would like to let anyone who reads this know what a wonderfull person Les was and what a deep impact he had on those who knew him. I love you Les.

Chad Barnes
Nephew
November 14, 2005

dear dad,

we miss you very much. love you! mom took me and a friend to a red wings game saturday wish you where next to us cause i love you and you love hockey.

from your son

blake keely
p.s. mom says hi

blake keely son
family
November 9, 2005

Taking a moment today, Oct 8th 2005 to reflect upon your service and wishing God's continued grace upon your family, friends and fellow officers.

Tom
Civilian, Newtown Bucks Co, PA
October 8, 2005

It is hard to believe it was been 6 six years. I miss you so very much and it has been so incredibly difficult without you. Brandon has had some struggles and Blake needs you to talk to about the things a mom can't or doesn't understand. He loves to play sports and he needs you to help him with it. I look around at all the dads playing or attending their sporting events and it just makes me so sad. Every year he completes another grade I start crying thinking it's another year you didn't get to see. I thought it would get easier, but it just seems to get more difficult. Don and Jo have been so good to us. We are truly blessed to have them in our lives.

Love & miss you, Lesa

lesa Keely
October 1, 2005