Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer VanCleave,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army during the Korean War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

April 27, 2024

His son, Armond “Buddy” VanCleave, Jr., followed in his father’s footsteps and became a police officer with the Louisville Division of Police (later the Louisville Metro Police Dept.). He spent more than half his career in the Traffic Unit, and was a trained Fatal Team investigator. As a lieutenant I ran the Traffic Unit for 6 years. Buddy was one of the hardest working officers I ever met in my 29 years as a police officer. More impressive is the fact that he took the word “Service” - emblazoned on our patch - to heart. He truly loved helping people, and consistently went “above and beyond”. Buddy was severely injured while helping a motorist stopped in a dangerous turn on the interstate. A car going too fast around a sharp turn lost control and veered towards the motorist and Buddy. Buddy pushed the motorist out of the way, saving his life. Buddy however was struck in front of a guardrail, pushing him back and snapping his tibia. He had numerous surgeries, and returned to work. But the damage and pain was severe, and he eventually retired.
I was proud to be his supervisor, and even more proud to call him my friend. His father, especially, would be proud beyond measure.

Lieutenant Doug Sweeney (Rtd)
Louisvile Metro Police Dept.

April 1, 2020

His son, Armond “Buddy” VanCleave, Jr., followed in his father’s footsteps and became a police officer with the Louisville Division of Police (later the Louisville Metro Police Dept.). He spent more than half his career in the Traffic Unit, and was a trained Fatal Team investigator. As a lieutenant I ran the Traffic Unit for 6 years. Buddy was one of the hardest working officers I ever met in my 29 years as a police officer. More impressive is the fact that he took the word “Service” - emblazoned on our patch - to heart. He truly loved helping people, and consistently went “above and beyond”. Buddy was severely injured while helping a motorist stopped in a dangerous turn on the interstate. A car going too fast around a sharp turn lost control and veered towards the motorist and Buddy. Buddy pushed the motorist out of the way, saving his life. Buddy however was struck in front of a guardrail, pushing him back and snapping his tibia. He had numerous surgeries, and returned to work. But the damage and pain was severe, and he eventually retired.
I was proud to be his supervisor, and even more proud to call him my friend. His father, especially, would be proud beyond measure.

Lieutenant Doug Sweeney (Rtd).
Louisvile Metro Police Dept.

April 1, 2020

His son, Armond “Buddy” VanCleave, Jr., followed in his father’s footsteps and became a police officer with the Louisville Division of Police (later the Louisville Metro Police Dept.). He spent more than half his career in the Traffic Unit, and was a trained Fatal Team investigator. As a lieutenant I ran the Traffic Unit for 6 years. Buddy was one of the hardest working officers I ever met in my 29 years as a police officer. More impressive is the fact that he took the word “Service” - emblazoned on our patch - to heart. He truly loved helping people, and consistently went “above and beyond”. I was proud to be his supervisor, and even more proud to call him my friend. His father, especially, would be proud beyond measure.

Lt. Doug Sweeney (Rtd)
Louisvile Metro Police Dept.

April 1, 2020

There was a young man named Bill May that was doing a ride along that was also suffered severe injuries in that crash.

Officer Gary Fields
Jefferson County PD

April 1, 2020

Officer Van Cleave, rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 12, 2019

Buddy Van Cleave is a class act .He is a model of True Public Servant...He is in the same model as his Father

Grover Sales
Friend from KY Derby Festival

December 14, 2015

Officer Buddy Van Cleave is a true hero like his Father..Awarded the Medal of Honor for bravery on I-65 saving a woman's life and risking his. LIKE father like Son

ANONYMOUS
A GOOD FRIEND

February 25, 2013

I know your Son! He ROCKS! You would be proud. Thank you for your service!

Officer Julie D. Schmidt
Louisville Metro Police Department

December 12, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today on the 38th 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 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 solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

May 13, 2012

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 a long time 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 VanCleave.

Sgt. Robert Mau Sr.
PD Joliet IL

December 16, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

May 1, 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

January 27, 2008

You have not been forgotten Armond. Thank you for serving this community and for your sacrifice. The Shively Fraternal Order of Police has constructed a small flower garden in front of Police Headquarters in memory of our two officers that have been killed in the line of duty. In the garden a monument was paced that reads: "Now they patrol the streets of Heaven, the Lord as their Chief".
Rest in Peace

Detective Steve Hopper

July 28, 2006

Your son has become an amazing man. He kicks butt in the traffic division. Thank you for your sacrifice.

Traffic Officer loved one

January 2, 2006