Officer Leonard Leon Kolodziej Phoenix Police Department Arizona Wednesday, September 4, 1991  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 22 of 2

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 18th anniversary week 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.

In looking at your reflections, I can see that you were an amazing man who is loved and missed by so many. Katie, you are in my heart's embrace today

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous

2009-09-09

Hey Pop~
Hard to believe it has been 18 years. In some ways it feels like yesterday. You are always a feeling in the wind. I love and miss you terribly.
Love Always
Kate

Kate
Daughter
2009-09-04

My prayers go out to your family today. My father and Leonard were friends. My father had a lot of fond memories of him. May God bless you.

Becky McFarland (McCaslin)
daughter of retired Phx PD Officer Gary McCaslin
2009-04-09

Happy Birthday Dad!
Love Always

~Katie

Katie Kolodziej-Delafield
Daughter
2009-04-03

I want to thank all of the people that came to Dad's memorial dedication today. It meant a lot to our family to see so many of his friends in blue. Thank you for the stories and keep them coming. Today is Dad's birthday and you all helped us to celebrate his life. A special thank you to the officer that we met at Bill Johnson's today...thank you for what you did, that really touched our hearts and your kind words will be with us always.

Thank you for what you do and stay safe!
Katie

Katie Kolodziej-Delafield
Daughter
2009-04-03

I first met Leonard Kolodziej at Squaw Peak Precinct in 1984 when I was a new officer. He had a big smile on his face and warmly welcomed me to my new profession. He also told me that if I ever had any questions or needed help, not to hesitate to ask him.

During the four and a half years that I worked patrol at Squaw Peak, there would be times that Leonard and I would be on calls together. After these calls, sometimes there would be times to talk. Leonard loved to talk about his children. I remember getting to meet them and his wife several times at a small hamburger stand that he and several of the senior officers loved to frequent.

One radio call that I will never forget, was while I was still in training. Leonard and I happened to be in the station at the same time and were the only officers there, except for the Admin. Sergeant. An emergency back-up call came out for two of our senior officers about 100 yards from the station. The Admin. Sergeant came running into the briefing room where we were both sitting and told us that these officers needed help. Leonard and I looked at each other and took off running towards the two officers (it was faster to run, then get into a car). As we were running I was thinking that this can't end well, as the officers we were going to back up were two of our precinct's biggest and strongest officers. If they needed help, what was a 133 pound female rookie officer going to do? By the time Leonard and I got to them, they had the suspect in custody. Both officers looked haggard, as the suspect was a professional football player and had thrown one of them across their patrol car before we got there. They did look happy to see us, but Leonard wanted to know where the Admin. Sergeant was?

After I transferred to new details, I would still run into Leonard out at Squaw Peak. He still had his big smile and dry sense of humor!

I was out of state when I found out of his passing via National News.

I will never forget Leonard and I am proud to have been his friend!

Retired Detective Sandra Gatlin
Phoenix Police Department
2009-03-28

I was but a rookie when I went to the day squad at Tower Plaza. The Sergeant was Sgt. Tetak. Leonard was a squad mate who made you feel welcome and was there to help. I was honored to call him a friend.

Doug Kraemer
3144 retired.

Det. Doug Kraemer (retired)
Phoenix P. D.
2009-03-27

To the Kolodziej Family,

I wish to express my deepest regrets for your painful loss. Our loss. I was fortunate to know Leonard from the first day he left the academy until his End of Shift date. From about March of 1983 until shortly before his EOS, we usually sat right next to each other almost everyday at briefing. We always seemed to end up on the same squads, and I think we were drawn to each other by our equally warped sense of humor. I have to share with you at least one of my many fond memories I have about him.

I remember the day that Leonard and I were in the indoor range at Squaw Peak for some optional range practice. A certain sergeant, who will go nameless, was unlucky enough to take the middle slot between us. This sergeant was well known for having a very difficult time in qualification shoots (so he really needed all the good practice he could get.) This wasn't a qualifying session, but we always treated it as such, because everyone knows you play like you practice. While it could have been a great opportunity for the sergeant to practice his shooting, it was an even better opportunity for us two to practice ........... our ability to mess with a sergeant. There Leonard stood on the left with his Colt Python, and me with my Smith and Wesson Model 19 on the right both facing the firing line, waiting for the targets to turn. Without either of us saying a word, or even signaling to each other, we both calmly proceeded to destroy any possibility that the sergeant had of getting a decent score that day. We each would put one, out of every three, rounds we fired into the white (non-scoring) area of the unsuspecting sergeant's target. Most times, back then, we never bothered to count the number of hits inside the black (scoring area of the target) when figuring out how well we did or didn't do. It was much easier, and quicker, to just add up the very few misses we had. Well, needless to say, the sergeant didn't have just a few misses that day. He had a lot, a whole lot. Now this would have been funny if it happened once. However, it became absolutely hilarious because we did it through three full 50 shot practice rounds without the sergeant ever catching on. Leonard was even kind enough to offer Mike (oops, I said part of his name) some sage advice between practice sessions. We eventually told him what we had done, during the next month's open range day.

Leonard was always quick with a joke and to laugh at the jokes of others. He also enjoyed poking fun of his Polish heritage during a time when "Pollock Jokes" were all the rage. He had a favorite saying that he was always putting to good use, as well. He told me he got it from listening very intently to his grandfather when he was a young child (but I can't remember if it was from his mother's side of the family, or his father's.) The best thing about the saying was it covered just about any circumstance you could ever come across in life. I liked it so much that I adopted it myself and have since passed it on to both my children and my grandchildren. In fact, if you were to say to my 5 year old grandson "Bradyn, you know what they say..." He would answer, "Oh well...." That's the saying in it's entirety "Oh well." I mean, is that a profound statement or what?

Leonard was always a good friend to me, and probably the best friend I ever had that I couldn't hope to spell his last name correctly. He was also a good cop, but he could tell you exactly how many months, days, and hours he had to work to be able to retire with 20 years of service. I've always been deeply saddened that he didn't quite make it to his target date.

Although none of us could have predicted what would happen on that terrible day, I've been deeply troubled, by certain aspects of it, ever since. The vile, senseless act, that took him from us, happened on a day that I happened to be working. It had been a very boring morning, and I was having a lot trouble trying to stay even a little busy. The location it took place at was in my beat area, not his. Because he had just recently changed squads, it wasn't even part of his squad area. It happened during my shift hours. Had I not responded to an emergency traffic call of a bombing at 24Th Street and Indian School, just a couple of minutes earlier, I probably would have been available for the call that Leonard took. Later on, we learned that the bomb, was one of two, that had been placed by the same low life that shot Leonard. He had set the bombs in an attempt to distract the police so that he could kill his wife. What makes the entire situation even worse, is that Leonard did absolutely nothing wrong in how he handled the call. He did just as he should have done. He did exactly what I would have done had I gotten the call. By all rights, it could have been, should have been me, that took those bullets that day. I've thought about that a lot these last 17 plus years, and I just wonder why it happened the way it did.

I never got a chance to share with Leonard how sorry I was about that. I'm not sure if I ever expressed these feelings to any of you, his family either. I'm sorry, so very sorry. If I had been able to tell Leonard, I'm pretty sure what his response would have been, "Oh well...."

Leonard will never be forgotten by any of those who were lucky enough to call him a friend.....certainly, he will always live in my heart.

Leonard, we will meet again, Bud.

Wayne.

Officer Wayne Stadler (Retired)
Phoenix P.D.
2009-03-26

Leonard was a very close friend. I think of him often and I still miss him. John Barclay 2490

John Barclay officer
Phoenix
2009-03-26

I met Leonard in 1980, my first year with PPD. We both worked at Squaw Peak (700). What I remember most about Leonard is that while he was very much senior to me, he never acted like it. He always said hello when we crossed paths, and referred to me by my first name, which was not always standard operating procedure among seasoned officers towards rookies. Leonard was a good guy, and a good police officer. What a terrible tragedy his death was. I pray his family has learned to cope with his loss.

Ofc. Matt Ridener #3857
Phoenix Police Dept. (Ret)
2009-03-11

"No more the bugle calls the weary one.
Rest, noble spirit, all thy work is done.
I will find you and know you among the
good and true.
When a robe of white we're given
for our faded coats of blue."

Ret Sgt. Bill Rice
Phoenix Police Department
2009-03-02

Officer Kolodziej,
On today, the 17th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Phoenix. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous

2008-09-04

Hey Pop~
Well it has been 17 years today. Hard to believe it has been that long. I miss you terribly, and regret that time was stolen from us. I know that you are shining down on us and keeping up to date with everyone, but it is not the same. It's funny that when your name is mentioned to the little ones of the family, they get a twinkle in their eye; their grandpa was a hero. My Dad the hero. Everyone who talks about you says the most wonderful things, it brings me just a little closer to you. Ok, enough sappy stuff, I need to get back to work. Just know that you are always in my heart and part of my being. Love Always, Katie :~)

Katie Kolodziej-Delafield
Daughter
2008-09-04

God's Police Department in heaven gained an oustanding and loving officer with your reassignment there. You are greatly missed by all your brothers and sisters working here carrying on in your memory. As they go about serving God's children here they constantly extoll your honor and your dedication to the job. Know that your family is loved and cared for just as Jesus loves and cares for you now. We envy your new working conditions, no more evil forces to face, only the loving touch of God in your heart. Rest in peace brother.
In Christ, Tom Bradley Arizona State Chaplain FOP

Tom Bradley, Retired
Phoenix AZ PD
2008-08-23

miiiss you! i love you i wish i could of seen you! =] hope your having a good tiiiime!!! love your grandson.conrad

conrad kolodziej
grandson
2008-07-30

I want to thank all of you who leave such wonderful stories for me and my family to read. Dad was killed when I was only 16 and now at 32 I long to hear stories of who he was outside of his fatherly personality. If anyone who knew Dad ever wants to reminisce, I am in the book, please look me up. You are my link to him. Thank you to all of the men and women in blue who continue to fight the good fight. Love, Katie (Len's Daughter)

Katie Delafield
Daughter
2008-07-09

Leonard was my partner for many years. When Phoenix had the Officer II and III program Len was the II and I was the III on the squad. We drank more than a few cups of coffee and cold beers over the years.

Leonard usually worked the next beat over from mine and double squad days we usually rode together. He always wanted to go to the same little hole in the wall joints for coffee and lunch. Munch-A-Bagel in the morning and the little hambuger joint for lunch.. Hated it but Leonard had a great time..

Leonard carried a nickle plate Colt Python. When I worked the range at the station he would come in with that gun to take part in practice or qualification. Of course I'd have to inspect it. I always told him that I'd give him $50 for the weapon. I'd show him, Look, the cylinder doesn't even turn the right way. He would make remarks as to my ancestory and take the gun back with a great big grin.

I was retired when Leonard was murdered. He was riding my beat. I couldn't believe that Leaonard was dead. We had so many times talked about retirement and what we were going to do. But it all came roaring to reality when I went to the viewing. I was very happy to see all the old squad members and friends there. We sat and remembered the little things all evening.

Leonard, I still miss you. I wish you were still here to kid about that old Colt. Save a cup of coffee for me when I come visiting..

Bill Noe, 1673
Phoenix PD Ret
2008-06-08

I was in the Phoenix police academy when this occurred. I remember how the officers and staff were so shaken and things there just came to a halt. I graduated a week or so later and received my badge with a black band on it in Ofc. Kolodziej's honor. I'll never forget that. Rest in Peace sir.

Sgt. Mike Jennings, Tucson Police Dept.

Sgt. Michael Jennings
Tucson Police Dept.
2008-06-08

We miss You brother,thanks for making this Dept what it is,The best in Arizona! No one will say different that knows law enforcement in the State.

Officer
Phoenix PD Central City
2008-05-16

Hey there Pop!
I was in Washington DC on your birthday. Stopped by the wall to see your name for the third time on April 3rd (pops birthday). I've said it before and I'll say it again, I am so proud to be your daughter. Though you were taken from us, I stand a little taller knowing that the nation recognizes your sacrifice and honors your name. "In valor there is hope" and "The wicked flee when no man pursueth but the righteous are bold as a lion" You are my hero and in my heart you will live forever!
Love Always~
Katie

Katie
Daughter
2008-04-16

wishing you a Merry Christmas in Heaven Leonard, we're thinking about you during this holiday season.
-A BROTHER IN BLUE

Phoenix Police
2007-12-08

To Officer Kolodziej, his family, and friends. My heart goes out to all of you. I am so glad that I found this web site. I am the brother of Jane Finney, the other person that was killed on that horrible day of Sept. 4, 1991. I remember it like it was yesterday and for some reason this year has been harder even though it has been 16 years. While I did not know Officer Leonard Kolodziej, I find comfort in sharing his memories you have all sent. May God bless him as well as his family. Thank you for allowing me to join in his memory. And, thank you Officer Kolodziej for your honorable service as a Phoenix Police Officer. Gregg Finney

Gregg Finney

2007-09-29

I think of you often my old friend but never more clearly than on a day like this. I miss our midnight coffee runs after shift. Bobbe always seemed to understand how special those nights were. But most of all I miss you. I hope we meet again one day.

Carl
Friend
2007-09-19

To the Kolodziej family: My deepest sympathy to you and greatest respect for Leonard. You are never alone. Please reach out to me anytime for anything that you need.

Sgt. Shawn R. Hanson
Phoenix Police Department
2007-09-18

Sixteen long years since I felt your hand in mine. The kids all called me this morning. We miss you - even though we feel your presence - it's not a big hug. Thank you, beloved, for watching out for us. Thank you for hearing me when I speak. Love, Bobbe

Bobbe Kolodziej
Widow
2007-09-04