Deputy Sheriff Bernard F. Leonard, Chaves County Sheriff's Department, New Mexico

Deputy Sheriff Bernard F. Leonard

Chaves County Sheriff's Department, New Mexico

End of Watch Sunday, July 16, 1933

Bernard F. Leonard

Deputy Bernard Leonard was shot and killed while he and a posse attempted to arrest a man wanted for kidnapping another officer and for robbery in Oklahoma and Colorado. The posse surrounded a home the suspect was in and ordered everyone out. Several women and children came out but the suspect refused. As Deputy Leonard rushed towards the door the suspect opened fire with two .38 caliber revolvers, fatally wounding Deputy Leonard. The rest of the posse opened fire, shooting the suspect seven times. Both the suspect and Deputy Leonard succumbed to their wounds later that evening.

Deputy Leonard was a Spanish American War veteran. He had served in several law enforcement capacities in New Mexico for 24 years.

Bio

Age Not available
Tour 24 years
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Shot and killed

Most Recent Reflection

View all 10 Reflections

Barney F. Leonard, Sr. was by all accounts a brave, selfless, (and as his name indicated,) lion-hearted man who loved to innovate, create and teach.
He never ran from danger always into the fray to do his part. He lives on in every memory and as an example for us.

Ola Leonard, L.P.N.
My grandad

April 19, 2015