Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

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