Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Anderson,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Wayne. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

May 25, 2024

Rest in peace Officer Anderson.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 10, 2022

I remember when Lenny first started as a Cadet(?) in Wayne, 1969. He was so enthusiastic. What an asset to the city.

I heard of this death years after it occurred. As a child of a slain Detroit police officer myself, my heart went out to Lennies children. Here it is years later, I still think of them. Blessings.

Michele Matuszewski

Clerk
Wayne Police

August 31, 2019

My brother Pat was a patrolman with the Wayne Police Department during that tragic time. Words fall FAR short in describing the grief that I observed on the part of my brother and his brethren . Later, I would come to know that grief, far too often, as a police officer with the Miami-Dade Police Department. Today, in retirement, I realize that these tragedies served to steel our resolve in the face of an often impossible mission. LEONARD ANDERSON'S courageous service will continue to act as an example for today's crime fighters. LEONARD ANDERSON'S courageous service is a template for HONOR, COURAGE and SERVICE BEYOND SELF. r. i. p., ''LENNY''

(Retired) Police Officer Greg Kral
Miami-Dade (County, FL) Police Department

December 31, 2016

I was Lenny's command officer who sent him to that house . ! will always remember Lenny

Retired LT Michael Butler
Wayne Police, Wayne Michigan

July 9, 2016

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

May 25, 2015

I will never forget Lenny. I was his command officer who dispatched him on the run to his death. I was a Sergeant at the time. I carry him with me in the back of my mind

Lt Michael Butler
Wayne Police ,Wayne Michigan

January 7, 2015

You are remembered and missed my brother...RIP.

Sergeant Don Barton
Garden City PD

May 6, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 36th anniversary 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 hold your family in my heart's embrace today and pray for their solace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

May 25, 2010

As my career's end is coming closer, I decided to check and find those who had lost their lives during the year that I was hired. While it's been many years since your passing, I'm sure those you left behind and those whom with you served with distinction have kept you alive in their memories. Thank you for your service and for looking out for us who continue in our chosen profession. Rest in peace Officer Anderson.

Sgt. Robert Mau Sr.
PD Joliet IL

December 17, 2008

"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

November 26, 2007

I was a police explorer at the City of Wayne Police Department during the mid 1980s, and while we waited to go upstairs for our meetings, I always found myself drawn to the picture and memorial plaque of this fallen officer. His sacrifice is not forgotten.

Anonymous

Although I did not know Officer Anderson, my father had the pleasure of working with him during his tour of duty. Now that I am a Law Enforcement, I will strive to continue the honor and integrity displayed by Officer Anderson.

God Bless.

Ptl. Matt Morton
Traverse City Police Department, Traverse City, Michigan