Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

thank you so much also for being brave!

kerry
My hero

September 8, 2014

Jimmy,

Once again it is my privilege to be joining your family in NY this year to honor your memory. I hope you are at peace and know that you are forever loved and remembered. I know you watch over all your family and are proud of how they have grown.

Rest in peace Cousin

Julie Darby
Cousin

September 11, 2013

I grew up with James Leahy in Mariners Harbor, Staten Island. Some of my best memories was growing up with James on Van Pelt Ave. We built forts, bikes, pigeon coops, explored all the woods in our area, forge many friendships and dated girls. As we grew up we grew apart but some of my best experiences as a child and adolescent were with James. Unfortunately we can't remember our past together or share it with our families but I hope one day I could share our memories with his family.

John McDowell, TSgt. 157 Pease ANG ARW

April 10, 2013

I remember Jim as Steeler 88 on the web. That is where I met him...Had wonderful chats and and exchanged pics of my family and his

Cathy Boehme
Web Friend

April 3, 2013

James and I grew up together on Van Pelt Ave. We knew each other sine 5th grade at PS 44 and graduated from Port Richmond HS. We took different paths in life but I'll never forget the memories we created together. We enjoyed reading comics, playing football, riding bikes, playing games and looking for adventure in Mariners Harbor. James was a dare devil on his bike jumping garbage cans with a ramp. We got that idea from watching Happy Days and coping the Fonz. We watched monster movies together during Monster Week and went to the Jerry Lewis Movie Theater to new movies. I have a life time of memories to share and I hope Jame's family reads them. Every now and then I'll share some jewels when I remember them.

TSGT. John McDowell
Air Force/Air National Guard/ Friend

January 30, 2013

Miss ya bro 9/11 hurts every year us fireguys do it love bro rip

Firefigther joseph verneer
friend

November 1, 2012

Miss you bro i love ya

Firefigther joseph verneer
friend

October 29, 2012

Well james we made another 9/11..i lost my dad and now the kids are grown up marry ..so great to see all is your family and friends are here and i miss bro and fire figthing all i do everyday i wake up to wtc pic next to my bed wishing u were here to play football with ..

Firefigther joseph verneer
friend

October 26, 2012

I remember growing up with you on Staten Island in Mariners Harbor on Van Pelt ave. You were my first best friend and we enjoyed many adventures growing up there. We used to call ourselves the Harbor Boys. As the years passed we went our separate ways and we lost touch. I discovered you became a brave and valiant Police Officer and I know your father couldn't be prouder. I remember working with your future wife in Wendy's on Hylan Blvd. and how you would meet her at the end of her shift and escort her home. I regret not keeping in touch with you and meeting your family. Once I joined the Air Force my travels kept me from home. I discovered a street was named on Staten Island as a memorial which prompted me to look for any other memorials and found this page. I will always say a pray for you and your family on the anniversary of 9/11.

TSGT John McDowell
157 Pease ANG ARW

September 11, 2012

You as always are remebered today

Pat
civilian

September 11, 2012

To Officer James Leahy and his family,

Officer Leahy, you and I never met, but I think of you often. This tragic event, which was completely unjust and without reason is how I came to meet your family. It was a pleasure and an honor to meet your lovely wife and beautiful sons here in California. Over the years I have lost touch with your family, though I think of them often. I hope this message will finds them doing well. God Bless 9-11-12,

Sandy Taylor
Orange PD, Orange CA

September 11, 2012

James,

Another anniversary. Wow, where did 11 years go? I miss you everyday. I love you, my hero my brother.

Danielle Leahy Vella
Sister

September 10, 2012

Jimmy,

Thinking of you and your family. I offer my prayers and respects to you and all those who were lost. I strive to honor your memory and follow your example of being selfless and courageous.

Be at peace.

Julie Darby
Cousin

September 10, 2012

James,
Everyday you are missed. I know you were with us yesterday as our nephew Joseph graduated. Another NYPD in the family. The boys miss you. Continue to watch over Arthur and Joey and all of us. I love you. Merry Christmas. Rest in Peace.
Danielle

Danielle Leahy Vella
sister

December 23, 2011

Dear Officer Leahy,

Your flag arrived today. I cried as I held it and re-read the bio. It even has a certificate of authenticity saying “This flag flew on the West Michigan Healing Field 2011 Memorial, in memory of James Leahy, age 38 from New York, whose life was lost at the World Trade Center.” I get tears every time I read it.

We watched the memorial service and I cried when your name was read and said a prayer. Shortly after that, a nice looking young man reading names said “And my father Officer Patrick Leahy from the 6th Precinct …” and I realized it was your son. I started crying and telling my husband that we were watching your son. From what I’ve read about you in the Reflections from your family and friends, I’m sure you were so proud of him as you watched from your place in heaven.

When the service was over, I made my husband promise to take me to New York so I can pay my respects to you and the others. It has always been the plan since they began talking about building a memorial, but now it’s even more important. I’m not sure when we’ll get to New York because we both lost our jobs cuz of the economy. But I made him promise to take me before I die, so I know I’ll make it someday.

Until then, I’ll put your flag and the certificate in a case and display it on the mantle next to my father’s flag (he was a Korean War veteran) and in my house, your memory and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Sharen

Sharen M. Stennett

September 22, 2011

Thinking of James and his family on this ten year anniversary of the attacks. I still wear his mercy band with pride on my wrist every single day and enjoy telling people about him when they ask about the band. We will never forget.

Brianna Rice (Brianna Redd)

September 11, 2011

WHEN EVER I THINK OF JIMMY THE THREE SAME THOUGHTS COME TO MIND.ONE JIMMY LOVED HIS WIFE LIKE NO OTHER MAN.TWO JIMMY SPOKE OF HIS CHILDREN AS IF THEY WERE HIS BEST FRIENDS OVER EVERY SWING.THREE THE PITTSBURGH STEELERS ARE THE BEST FOOTBALL TEAM EVER LAMBERT AND SWAN.CHANGING NEXT TO JIMMY EVERY DAY OFTEN LEFT ME FEELING JEALOUS.HE HAD SO MUCH FUN BEING WITH HIS WIFE AND KIDS.JAMES YOU TAUGHT ME HOW TO BE A BETTER FATHER AND HUSBAN.I THANK YOU AND MISS YOUR STORIES YOUR FRIEND GARY.

SGT GARY GAGLIARDO
FRIEND

September 11, 2011

WHEN EVER I THINK OF JIMMY THE THREE SAME THOUGHTS COME TO MIND.ONE JIMMY LOVED HIS WIFE LIKE NO OTHER MAN.TWO JIMMY SPOKE OF HIS CHILDREN AS IF THEY WERE HIS BEST FRIENDS OVER EVERY SWING.THREE THE PITTSBURGH STEELERS ARE THE BEST FOOTBALL TEAM EVER LAMBERT AND SWAN.CHANGING NEXT TO JIMMY EVERY DAY OFTEN LEFT ME FEELING JEALOUS.HE HAD SO MUCH FUN BEING WITH HIS WIFE AND KIDS.JAMES YOU TAUGHT ME HOW TO BE A BETTER FATHER AND HUSBAN.I THANK YOU AND MISS YOUR STORIES YOUR FRIEND GARY.

SGT GARY GAGLIARDO
FRIEND

September 11, 2011

Officer Leahy, to leave a reflection for each and every officer who died that day, and who subsequently died as a result of being there to help would be a daunting task that would overwhelm me. Instead I leave ONE reflection for you, the man with whom I share a name, in honor of ALL you brave men and women who did your duty during that horrific event.

To the Police Officers, Firefighters, Military personnel and Civilians alike who stepped up to help others, putting their own lives in jeopardy to try to save even one life, you are heroes in the truest sense. You did more for your fellow man in that one day than many do in a lifetime and you did it with determination, courage and a sense that it was the right thing to do.

I don't know, nor could I ever know all the names, were they in New York, at the Pentagon or in Pennsylvania, but each and every one lives in my heart and the heart of all Americans.

We lost so much that day, yet gained a lot also. For the first time in a long time we were truly united as a people and that was something I don't think the scum sucking pigs that planned and executed this ever dreamed would happen. Sure, in time we started to bicker again and things got back to 'normal', but after that day, 'normal' changed for all of us and it changed us as well.

Officer Leahy, it is my firm belief that you and all those listed on this amazing website, as well as every Emergency Service worker who gave their life, MARCHED four abreast right through the gates of Heaven and as St. Peter held the gates open, angels stood at either side of the column and saluted.

God Bless you all and Rest in Peace, you have earned it.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

September 11, 2011

I can't believe it has been 10 years since we lost my brother, Police Officer James Leahy, in this terrible attack. Our family didn't think we could survive 10 days, let alone 10 years. The pain does not get any less, nor does the hurt go away.
My brother didn't think twice running up those steps to help to give assistance on that day. His selfless act will never be forgotten.
You, my brother, will never be forgotten.

Denise Leahy Henick
Sister

September 11, 2011

Dear Officer Leahy,

Tomorrow is the 10th Anniversary of 9-11. Days after the Towers fell, I ordered Memory Bracelets. They are exactly like the ones we wore in the ‘70’s for those MIA during Vietnam, only these were blue for the police officers and red for the firefighters that died that horrible day. Mine had your name on it.

Throughout the past 10 years, every time I watched a special about 9-11, I’d think of you and all the others who perished and cry just as hard as I did the first few weeks after it happened. I remember seeing family members on TV talking about their loved ones and the fear some had that America would eventually forget.

I will never forget you or those that joined you on the journey to heaven. You see Officer Leahy, I was married 9-8-01, and that Tuesday morning was supposed to be spent writing out Thank You notes. But none of that mattered after the planes hit the buildings. And I have to admit, I’ve forgotten my anniversary date a time or two by being more focused on remembering 9-11.

This year, Cannonsburg Ski Area is holding the West Michigan Healing Field to honor those who died with flags representing each person. We sponsored a flag. We went this afternoon to pay our respects and to look for your flag. Seeing all those flags lined up brought tears to my eyes again.

At the information area, I asked a lady where I would be able to find your flag. I asked about getting your flag and held out your bracelet so she could read your name. She looked for you in her book but someone had already chosen it. I started crying and I guess my hand started shaking because she patted it and told me to hold on a minute and she disappeared into the trailer. When she returned, she said I could have your flag and they’d be mailing it to me after the event.

I had to search for it because even though the names were supposed to be in alphabetical order, well, you know how that goes sometimes. I found it and cried again after reading the short bio. I said a prayer for you and your family and I hope that they have been able to find some peace as the years have passed.

I found this site by accident and wanted to share how you have touched my life, a complete stranger. Thank you Officer Leahy for making the ultimate sacrifice that sunny September morning. Your memory lives on in those you knew and even in those you didn’t.

Sharen M. Stennett
Fennville, Michigan

Sharen M. Stennett

September 10, 2011

James, I can't believe its been 10 yrs since I seen your smile. I miss you so much.

Danielle Leahy Vella
sister

September 10, 2011

Jimmy,

Ten years ago our world changed forever and we lost incredible, brave and honorable people. You were one of those selfless individuals who simply exuded the dedication to assist others in need. I know your family would give anything to have you back, but they are also so proud of the way you conducted yourself during that horrific nightmare. Your family has shown incredible grace and dignity as they have grieved over these past years. I consider it an honor and a privilege, even in just a small way, to have been able to share in their mourning, but also their celebration of your life. Both you and your family are constant reminders to me to strive to be a better person, a standard by which to measure my own fortitude. Rest in eternal peace and know that you made a difference, you were so loved, you are so missed, but you will always be remembered.

Julie and all the Darby Cousins in Cali

September 10, 2011

James,

As another 9/11 goes by, I just want you and your family to know that even as time passes, good memories linger keeping us going and giving us hope and inspiration. From all the caring comments posted about you, I can see you were surrounded by good friends and the love of family. I’m certain you are now walking a beat on the streets of Heaven and watching over us all. Please save a seat in Roll Call for other hero's that will follow.

Captain James Leahy
Denver Sheriff Department

September 10, 2011

I came across this website accidentally as my maiden name is Leahy and I live in Georgia. I was looking for New York Leahys and I found you Police Officer James Leahy. I cannot say anything to you; I am so humbled by your service to our country. I am crying, tears going down my face now. Dear family and friends, know that Americans everywhere are grateful to your loved one.

Ann Leahy Pottage
Just a Grateful American

November 11, 2010