Officer Down Memorial Page

I stood in line for 3 hours on Pearl Road waiting for the opportunity to pray, and posthumously pay my respects and express my gratitude to Wayne at his wake. In my mind remains the memory of him and his sacrifice, along with that of his loved ones, and A reflection from George Orwell..... We rest well in our beds at night because rough men stand ready to do violence on our behalf.........Today the haunting question remains.........Why does his craven murderer continue to draw breath?

k. michael morley. No rank
Family members are CPD Officers
February 19, 2012

This June, it will be 12 year since you were taken from us. Everyone misses you so mucch, and Grace is a remarkable woman. I know you are proud of the way she is raising your three wonderful kids. I just wish I could give you one last hug, or merely see you for two minutes. God bless you and your family. You will never be forgotten.

A friend
January 19, 2012

You are very missed by your family and friends. Everyone who met you loved you. You made a huge impact on everyone's hearts. I hope you are very proud of me. I love you.

A friend
Cleveland resident
October 14, 2011

Remembering Officer Wayne Leon....

Our hearts are all heavy
We feel a great loss
For a brave man who died fighting
For an even greater cause.
The choppers flew in honor overhead
For a fallen hero, a fallen friend.
As taps played in the distance
Silent tears fell all around
For a fallen warrior
Being laid in the ground.
He gave his life fighting
So that others may live,
That's what he knew of life
He knew how to give.
We mourn this fallen officer
We mourn this gentle man
But there's solace in knowing he's home now
He's at the Father's right hand.
So the rifles fire in honor
Of an Officer laid to rest
God bless him and hold him close Lord,
You've taken one of Cleveland's best.


mjg 06/25/00

MJ Graves #444
CPD/BPD
June 24, 2011

Ten years ago today you were taken from us, yet we remember like it was yesterday. It has been a real pleasure getting to know your wonderful wife Grace and watch your beautiful children Justin, Gabby and Nicholas grow up to be such fine young people. Your legacy lives on through them and the efforts of Grace and your CPD Family. Rest easy friend, we'll all be together at roll call someday.

P.O. Thomas Ross
Cleveland Police Dept
June 25, 2010

God Bless you Wayne, you remain forever in our hearts this Police Memorial week and every day of every year.
We Love you always.

Terry Macias
May 17, 2010

Those of us who care will never forget. Grace, you are such a wonderful tribute to your husband & to the entire law enforcement community. God bless & keep you always.

Joanie
Mother, daughter, sister & granddau. of LEOs
February 6, 2010

We offer our heartfelt sympathy to the family, friends and colleagues of Officer Leon and we honor his distinguished service to the cause of justice and peace. Sadly, our nation has lost one of its finest citizens, a community has lost a friend and protector, and a family has lost an example of character and courage who they will love and respect forever.

To the family, friends, and colleagues of Officer Leon, I would like you to know that a lot of people pray for you, and my hope is that their prayers will give you the strength necessary to move on. Just as you were always with him when he walked the beat or patrolled the streets, know that he will always be with you - wherever you may be. In the days to follow, may you be strengthened by the fact that Officer Leon is a man distinguished by exceptional courage and will always be admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. You, your family, and your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Special Agent
FBI New York City
July 21, 2009

Hi Mr. Leon
I have met all of your children and i just wanted to let you know they are wonderful. gabby is my best friend i hav known her for 7 years and justin is fantastic he is one of my great guy friends. im 13 and i love your kids and wife like my own family
Love
Deidre

Deidre
Friend
June 23, 2009

It has been more than 8 years and the sadness of what happened to you still burns in so many hearts...I was going through some photos today and found aome of you and your little brother Jake (Duane). My mind flashed back to those days so many years ago when Jake was just a little boy, not even in school yet. You made a point to be there for him, to call and visit him, to take him places and do things with him. You are his older brother, you showed him the love of an older brother and lived up to the responsibility of being his brother, even when you youself were just a young man. I had known for a long time that you were special, even before you became a Police Officer. I knew you would make a wonderful husband and father one day, and you did. You were so very special in all aspects of your life, so much so that the pain of your loss remains so very strong. I am proud of the man you became, the husband, father, brother, son and friend that you were. And as proud as I am of your tour with the CPD, I only wish that when you asked me what you should do, I would have told you to wait for a different department. Even though I know a tradgedy like this can happen with any department, anytime and anywhere, I knew the danger within the city streets. I'm sorry Wayne that during that conversation, I didn't tell you to wait. Instead I told you to follow your heart, and you did...you always wanted to be a Cleveland Police Officer. I also should have been there that day for you. If I were still there, I more than likely would have been working that day maybe if I were still there...
I love you Wayne. You are by far an example for all of us in this world, your heart, your love, your dedication. Keep watch from Heaven, I know that you are...

Terry
January 7, 2009

I just wanted to say that I live in your neighborhood and often drive, walk, or ride past your home. The other day the front yard was just loaded with kids having lots of summer fun. Somehow I thought you must be seeing that from Heaven and it must make you happy. I'm sad your children are without your loving arms but know they feel a special watch over them from above. You are gone from us but not forgotten. Thank you for all you did.

Anonymous
August 24, 2008

Hi, I'm Amanda Walker a good friend of your daughter Gabby. I text Gabby all the time and she is so nice. I just got back from camp where Gabby shoed us some pictures of you and her. I just want to tell you that Gabby is the awesome-est.

Anonymous
August 21, 2008

Dear wayne,
I had the chance to meet your awesome wife today, what a sweet person. Your wife is like an angel to all she meets, helps and comes in contact with. I can see why you choose her to be your wife and the mother of your children.
To you Grace I'm feel so blessed to have met you today. Words can't say enough as to how much respect I have for you and what you do. God Bless you, your children and your family. Keep on fighting, and I'll pray with you that all the volience stops.
Hearts, and Thoughts, Jennifer
Hearts and Thoughts, Jennifer

JENNIFER
August 14, 2008

8 years ago today you were taken from us. I remember the day like it was yesterday. It has been such an honor seeing your kids grow up and working with Grace in preserving your memory. Enjoy patrolling heaven's streets, we'll see you soon. God Bless You.

T. Ross
Cleveland Police
June 25, 2008

Wayne,
Happy Fathers Day...I'm sure on this day, as with every other day...you are in the thoughts and hearts of your family. Grace does such great work with Ohio COPS....helping others...and I'm sure you are so proud of her. Keep looking out for us brother...we need all the help we can get.

Deputy John Jerman
Cuyahoga County Sheriff
June 15, 2008

Wayne,

I remember hearing the news of your tragic and unfair death. I didn't know you personally but tragedy brought your wife to me, I am a surviving child of a slain police officer. I am now a grown women with three of my own children. I will always wonder what could have been, as will your children but, my faith that you are watching and guiding your children from up above brings me peace. Grace is 100% committed to making sure you are in your children's lives in her own special way. she is strong and misses you so very much. I think of you and your family as we enter the month of June. I see your son running down my street with the dog and all the neighborhood kids playing football in your yard, it puts a warm feeling in my heart. I am watching your children grow and ever so fast. your wife and kids lives should not have been altered like this. but I know the goodness that grace is instilling in your children will help them grow up to be proud of who they are, even with all they have had to endure.

June 6, 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
December 31, 2007

Wayne,
You remain in our hearts today and always. I was watching video of you from when you were in High School and and on the CPD. You were always the same person, loving and caring ro all that you came into contact with. It has been 7 years since you were taken and to this day your face and memory of you remains imbedded in so many hearts. You made such an impact on all that met you and knew you. What a terrible loss for this world.
You remain our Hero Wayne....You will always be our hero.

Terry
December 7, 2007

Wayne, Just wanted to let you know brother that I meet your wife at a D.A.R.E Training in Westlake,Oh, it's nice to see her still involved with police work and the public. You would be really proud of her. Keep watching over us in Blue my Borther. God bless

OFFICER BOB SWOPE #5609
OLMSTED FALLS POLICE DEPT.OHIO
August 15, 2007

Officer Wayne A Leon,
I spent the last week at C.O.P.S. kids camp and had the priviledge of mentoring your beautifual daughter Gabby! You must be one very proud daddy of who your daughter has become. She is a sweet gentle child that misses her daddy every day, but is doing well. The ultimate sacrifice that you made will be remembered always!

God Bless you and your family,
Officer Stephanie Thomas

Officer Stephanie Thomas
Green Bay PD
August 5, 2007

Today the community mourns as another Police Officer has made the ultimate sacrifice. I am reminded of the day when you were taken from us. I still think of you often and hold your family in my prayers. I want you to know that you are not forgotten, nor will you ever be. God Bless You.

Det. C.J. Frey
Brooklyn PD
May 31, 2007

Wow my Brother, I can't believe it has been seven years since I was at your service. I just want to let you know that you and your family are in my prayers. God Bless you.

OFFICER BOB SWOPE #5609
OLMSTED FALLS POLICE DEPT.OHIO
April 29, 2007

You Are Still Thought Of and Honored By Many.
Time Will Never Replace In Our Minds and Hearts What You Gave So Others Could Be Safe.

Ohio
Summit County

April 25, 2007

Wayne, while on vacation in Florida I met a friend of yours (Ed). It has been almost seven years since your passing and he is still talking about you. He spoke very highly and with great pride about you. It seems that you have touched the lives of many people in such a positive way. Though I have never met you we all share a common bond. We will continue to carry on and we will remember the sacrifice that you and others before you have made. May God bless your family and watch over them.

Detective Thomas Tully
Southampton Town Police, Long Island, N.Y.
April 13, 2007

I miss you bro, god I could only dream to imagine what things would be like if u were around. To young much much to young.

Duane Leon
brother
April 13, 2007