Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I lived at the bus stop where Sgt Waldinger got off coming home from duty everyday, west 29th and Plum st.. Many kids and myself included would walk with Leo part way home going north on Plum to w 28 because Leo lived on 28th near Cascade St. He was truly loved by all who knew him. Leo's son Leo was my age and a friend of Mine.

Since that sad day I have often thought that the Grade School Beginners Reading book showed the neighborhood Policeman walking with the children and holding hands crossing the street was modeled after "Leo The Great"
I was 11 years old at the time of this tragedy and it really is one of the saddest days of memory.

Douglas T Doolittle
Friend

September 30, 2023

As we gather for Thanksgiving in this difficult year of 2020, I am also thinking of my great uncle, Sgt. Leon Waldinger, who succumbed to his injuries after being wounded in a gun battle with a barricaded male on Nov. 18, 1949. This year, I have kept him in my thoughts each day since Nov. 18 imagining what my father, his nephew, his sister, my grandmother, and his wife and children were going through. Thank you, Sgt. Leo for your service. EOW Nov. 26 1949. Gone But Not Forgotten.

Stacey Sanner
Great niece

November 26, 2020

Your heroic actions that day define duty before self. 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 Sergeant Waldinger.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 17, 2019

Sergeant Leo Jonas Waldinger was my Grandfather my fathers Dad.
He was a very brave man and did leave behind a wife to whom never remarried and 3 children my dad and two daughters. I just want to thank you for starting this tribute and can not wait to pass it on to my dad and my Aunts.

Gretchen Waldinger Staha
San Angelo, TX

Gretchen Staha
Grandaughter

March 27, 2016

A hero to more than he knows. ©2004

Emory - Ephrata, WA
brother of Ferry County WA Undersheriff Matthew J. Lane, EOW 5/30/2003

December 6, 2014

Thank you, Det. Hynes. I learned only recently that Sgt. Waldinger was my great uncle. I have worked with pride to support the Seattle Police Department and Foundation and am honored to now know that I am related to a brave man who gave his life in the line of duty. Stacey Sanner

Stacey Sanner, Author, "Keeping a Blue Light On: A Citizen's Tribute to the Seattle Police Department"

January 8, 2014

Stacy Sanner, Thank you for all you do for us here in SPD. I have no Immediate family here in Seatle and so i try to work all of the holidays so officers with families can be home with them. I appreciate everything you do for all of us. I would say welcome to the family but you've been a part of our family for quite some time.

Detective Daniel Hynes
Seattle Police Dept

December 5, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 63rd anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Laslater was a fellow police officer 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

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

January 13, 2012

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

VanDenBerghe
Manchester, Nh

November 26, 2007

Though I never met you I would like to let you know that you are still thought of. You were very brave for what you did. I found out about you working on my family tree and read everything I could find about you. I always knew my Grandfather was named after his Uncle, but I had no idea he was such a brave man. Thanks for all you did.

Mel
Niece

September 5, 2007

SERG,YOUR NOT FORGOTTEN.REST IN PEACE.

G-MAN

October 25, 2006