Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace brother

Carson loveless

March 26, 2024

Officer Ponce de Leon, Today is the thirty-fourth anniversary of your End of Watch. On that tragic day I was still forging my pathway into a law enforcement career, one which would ultimately land me in Tallahassee. Later, while attending the Law Enforcement Academy, I learned of your life of service and of your sacrifice for your partner on that scene and for your community in standing the line between good and evil. While you did your best that day, God had other plans for you. Those plans included using your story in training new recruits like myself in officer safety, officer survival, and to always expect the unexpected. One of my FTOs also recounted the incident, offering several tactical considerations for use in my own career. (Thank you GIO)
In the twenty-six years since I pinned on a star with LCSO, I rarely pass that location without recalling the story of the event and the sacrifice that both you and Greg made that day. While your sacrifice was ultimate, Greg's is certainly one which he lives with every day and shouldn't be forgotten either. (Thank you Greg)
Thank you Officer Ponce de Leon for the lasting and positive impressions of law enforcement that you made in our community, for the stories your life inspired, and for the sacrifice you made for all of us as a community and as a profession.

Sgt. RD
Leon Co Sheriff's Office

July 8, 2022

July 8, 1988 was a Friday. I was set to start work at LCSO the following Monday. I was at the barber shop in the Northwood Mall getting my hair cut when I heard Ponce had been killed. I'd done numerous ride-alongs and Ponce was one of the officers I looked up to.

Lt Larry Folsom (Retired)
Leon Co Sheriff's Office

July 8, 2022

I grew up watching shows like C.H.I.P.S., Top Cops, and other similar programs. I knew I wanted to wear that uniform. These shoes inspired me.

I saw your story on Top Cops (Youtube). Thank you for your service.

Officer Cisneros #8169
TEXAS CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT

Officer Cisneros
Texas City Policr Department

May 6, 2022

I still miss you. Thank you for all you did for all, and for looking out for me. You made the ultimate sacrifice. Wish you were still here.

Melinda McClellan

July 17, 2021

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

July 8, 2020

Rest in peace Officer DeLeon.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 8, 2020

He was the reporting officer for my "home alone" call when I heard a crash coming from my parent's upstairs bedroom. There was a French door balcony entrance where someone could have theoretically entered into their bedroom, but I was too afraid to explore it on my own since I was about 10 or eleven, alone, and it was at night. I called 911 and he was sent to assesss. He was very kind and confirmed that it was a shelf that had fallen from my mother's folding book case in their room causing books to crash to the floor. I was relieved, but was still not convinced it was by happenstance. The previous owner had committed suicide in that house and we always felt there was a bad presence there. When I learned that Officer Ponce De Leon had died later in time, I felt a connection and like a local hero had died, but in my young mind felt guilty that perhaps those bad spirits had doomed him. He was the kind of police officer one trusts and appreciates in the community. I do not understand why he was not wearing a vest at the time of his demise unless he was off duty. None-the-less he is my fallen hero.

Caroline Harris

June 15, 2020

I would like to pay my respects to you. I watched an episode of Top Cops (so many years later). Thank you for serving the community. I pray for your spirit.

Andrew
A respectful community member (all the way from Australia)

May 8, 2020

Officer Ponce De Leon,
On today, the 31st anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Tallahassee. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol
El Paso Station

July 8, 2019

Officer Ponce DeLeon,

I was a young man living in Tallahassee contemplating a career in law enforcement when this tragedy struck. Although I did not have the privilege of knowing you, you indirectly inspired me to fulfill my dream and carry the torch. I think of you and your courage frequently.

Thank you for protecting us, you are an inspiration to all.

May God continue to bless and keep you and your family forever.

R. Goetz
Friend

December 7, 2018

You've been on my mind a lot..coming to visit. You are loved and missed by so many, who also remember and respect the officer and man you were. We miss you Ernie.

M. Ferrera
Friend

September 26, 2018

Remember that horrible day like it was yesterday. I was working at LCSO as a deputy sheriff then, and had just talk to you the day before. RIP Ponce.

SWC Edwin O Maxwell
FDLE Capitol Police

July 15, 2016

I never, never watch the Top Cops re-enactment on youtube that it doesn't make me feel cold fear. Thanks to Ponce de Leon for standing in the Thin Blue Line, and to the other surviving officer Greg Armstrong for not retreating in the face of mortal danger.

Stan Jefferson
Citizen

December 7, 2015

I remember Ponce as a good caring officer. I remember one night when I was making an arrest on Macomb of three very large individuals, Ponce happened along and stepped up and gave me a little nudge. He quietly stated "I got your back bro". I knew he meant it and I was so glad to see him there. Rest in Peace my brother, you are not forgotten.

Edwin O. Maxwell, Deputy Sheriff (ret)
Leon County Sheriff's Office

December 4, 2015

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

July 15, 2015

As I write this I have a heavy heart, we lost another brother. Leon County Sheriff's Deputy Chris Smith, was killed by gunfire on 11/22/14. This sad incident reminded me of the brothers lost before Chris, Officer Ernie Ponce De Leon, and Sgt. Dale Greene of the Tallahassee Police Dept. It is my strong belief that Ernie and Dale were waiting on Chris with a Dr. Pepper and a smile, as Chris strolled into heaven. God Bless them all............

Jeffrey L Atteberry
Tallahassee Police (retired)

December 8, 2014

I remember, Ernest, very well. A close friend to my Mother, Mary Elaine Holley. My parents were in the midst of divorce and Ernest decided to become my Big Brother, from the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program. He took me to places, even once bought me new shoes and socks and a pair of gloves. To his family, I, James H. Holley, Jr, remember your father well, and miss him. I pray that our Father in Heaven will sway the grief from your hearts, and leave the fondest memories of what he meant to us all. Take care, and God Bless you and keep you safe. And thank you, for allowing him time to spend with me.

James Edward Crego
Poet

April 21, 2014

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 25th anniversary year 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 who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace

I pray for the solace of all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Thanks to your friends for sharing their devotion to you through their reflections.

Phyllis Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) Officer Larry Lasater

January 1, 2013

I remember Ernie well, and I will never forget him. He had been a friend of mine when I worked security and used to stop by and see me every night at some point during my shift. What many people don't know about him is that he had left his desk in order to spend one last tour on the beat before retiring. He was killed 4 blocks from where I lived, and I will never forget the neverending sound of sirens as every officer, sheriff or city, came to the call of "officer down" the day he died. I remember pacing my house, feeling in my bones, that I had lost someone I knew and praying I was wrong.

I will never forget his kindness, nor his willingness to try to bring out the best in people, and unlike so many who become so jaded from their experiences in the force, he was the eternal optimist. He will never be forgotten.

S D Barnes
friend and Lt. for Burns Int'l Security

November 5, 2012

We will never forget the heroes who gave their all, and you sir are a hero... May you continue to rest in peace Officer Ponce de Leon.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

July 8, 2012

Still miss You Brother... Think of You often, remembering the good times, and this will have to do, until we Patrol together again...

Officer (Ret)
Tallahassee (FL) Police Department

July 8, 2012

Rest In Peace Brother Ponce. We won't forget.
July 6, 2012

Invest. Mike Bradford, RET
Tallahassee PD

July 6, 2012

I knew "Ponce" from Publix 113 on Apalachee Parkway. I worked as a Front End Coordinator while going to FSU, and spent countless hours talking with Ernie. I will never forget hearing the news that morning that he had been killed. It was surreal. I was a 21 year old college kid, and looked up to him. He was a good person whom I respected and admired deeply. I attended his funeral with others who had befriended him at Publix. I still reflect on knowing him, and all the conversations we had, particularly when I return to Tallahassee and drive past the cemetery where he is laid to rest. I won't ever forget "Ponce."

Mike Mathis

May 9, 2012

Rest in Peace, Officer Ponce de Leon. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 16, 2012