Officer Down Memorial Page

I was 10 years old when you died. And now I've been an officer for almost 20. I want you to know that every time I pass the spot where you were killed I say a prayer for you and your family. I'm sure you are in a better place, where you deserve to be; but I will not forget you. Rest in peace, my brother.

Trooper
PSP
March 14, 2012

I never knew Leonard Miller personally, but my parents did and said he was the nicest person that one could ever meet. Its a shame that some one so young was taken away from us for no reason at all!!! And whats worse is that these sick sadistic assholes are still living 32 years later... There is something totally wrong with this, and our justice system needs some serious reconstruction!!!! I didnt know, and its a total shame that I will never know him, but words cannot describe my thanks and graditude for him sacrificing his own life doing what he loved. It takes guts and courage to be a police officer, and I am forever grateful to Leonard C. Miller!!!

Chad Fasenmyer
Friend
January 11, 2012

Chad Fasenmyer
Friend
January 11, 2012

Leonard was taken much too soon. He's remembered by all who knew him as a gentle soul and someone you just wanted to be around. Every year since his death I think of him and how much he meant to all of us in Apollo.

Lori
friend
January 5, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the thhirty-first anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect and your memory will always be honored and revered. I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you for I know the pain and pride are forever. I am so sorry you lost your life at such a young age and after only achieving your dream of full time status officer for such a brief period.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
January 3, 2012

32 years later and still missed.

Officer (retired)
Apollo Police
January 3, 2012

Leonard,

Just wanted you to know that I am thinking of you. This year has been bad for local officers. I am sure that you are waiting to greet each and every one as the come through the gates. Rest in Peace.

Ptlm R Baustert
Gilpin Twp Police Dept
December 22, 2011

God didn’t promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain; but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears and light for the way.


Rest in peace.

Michelle - wife of US Marshal
June 9, 2010

Leonard, I grew up in Apollo and have always called it home, I remember the tragedy of your being taken way to early, Although I was only nine at the time. I have never forgotten you and never will as I continue my career in corrections you will live on my heart, as your memory lives on with all of us who remember you.

C/O B.R. HALL
PA Dept. of Corrections
October 29, 2009

"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 15, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY YOUNG SIR AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. IT DOESN'T MATTER HOW LONG YOU SERVED, WHAT MATTERS IS THAT YOU A HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH
December 31, 2007

Thinking of you and your family today and everyday.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police
January 3, 2007

Always and forever with you brother. You are a true hero.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police
October 3, 2006

My Brother Rest in Peace. You are a hero and Thank you!

P/O Chan
Philadelphia Police Dept.
September 16, 2006

Leonard, I remember the day that you were taken. It sickens me that, twenty six years after that terrible day, the evil people, who did this, are still able to fight for their life. You will never be forgotten.

MFS PA Resident
March 2, 2006

Rest in peace brother

January 3, 2005

I learned of your sacrifice in the newspaper just the other day. The new bridge in Apollo will be named after you. You and your sacrifice are not forgotten. Thank you for your service. God bless your family, and may your spirit live on through us. Rest in Peace Brother.

Trooper
PA State Police Kittanning
December 22, 2004