Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I had the privilege of working with his grandson Don Pettyjohn. We spent many a cold night working the same road that the chase started on that fateful night in 1970. A salute to both of them.

Investigators Michael Pridgen
GFC/FWC

August 13, 2023

Leon was my grandfather, I remember him riding me in his car with the blue light and siren on. I remember the night of the phone call when grandaddy was killed. I followed his footsteps and retired as a FWC Game Warden with 31 years. I salute you and Rest In Peace Grandpa.

Donald Pettyjohn FWC Ofc. Retired
Florida FWC

August 7, 2022

God bless you

Nick mottola
None

August 13, 2020

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

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

August 13, 2020

Officer Walker,
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 the state of Florida. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

August 13, 2020

Rest in peace Wildlife Officer Walker.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 30, 2019

On August 13, 2018 FWC LE Class 37 engaged in a memorial workout in honor and remembrance that forty-eight years ago today we lost a fellow Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Officer. Office Leon Walker was in pursuit of illegal hunters. Today’s workout represented by squats (weight of responsibilities), running (pursuit), and push-ups (pushing ourselves), our team work and unanimity build our fellow officers through challenge and reflection.

Officer Leon will not be forgotten. Thank you for your passion and commitment to the conservation of Florida wildlife. Class 37 remembers the service and the sacrifice.

Woods, Water, Air, 37’s There!

FWC LE Recruit Class 37
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission LE Recruit

August 14, 2018

Officer Walker,

Today, FWC Recruit Class 30 completed a memorial workout in your honor. Your dedication to duty and courage in the face of danger is an inspiration to recruits and officers alike. As recruit officers, we constantly strive to uphold and honor the traditions of our agency and the valiant officers like yourself that have protected this state and its resources. We draw strength from the courageous actions of those no longer with us, and continue to honor your sacrifice.

FWC Recruit Class 30
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

August 17, 2016

Remembering those who have passed while we train to protect the future, FWC Recruit Class 28 would like to thank Officer Leon Walker for his courage and dedication by conducting a memorial workout in his honor. It is our hope to live up to his example as we strive to uphold the ideals for which he stood. Officer Leon Walker, you are gone but not forgotten.
Very Respectfully,
FWC Recruit Class 28

Recruit Class 28
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

August 14, 2015

HEROES live forever, and you sir are a hero. We will never forget the sacrifice that you made for all of us. Continue to rest in peace Officer Walker.

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

August 13, 2012

Rest in Peace, Officer Walker. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 9, 2012

We will never forget the sacrifice that you made for all of us, you sir are a hero. Continue to rest in peace Officer Walker.

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

Deb

August 13, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 40th 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

August 13, 2010

"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

December 12, 2007

Rest in peace brother and watch over the rest of us as we protect our natural resources.

nc game warden

June 30, 2007

Thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice for the cause of protecting what we as conservation law enforcement officers deem, not just a job, but a mission!

Capt. Roy Brown
Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission

March 30, 2007

was long time friend of your sons just found this site and wanted to say thank you mr: Walker for your service you will always be rembered

September 26, 2006

Rest in peace sir. Thank you for your service.

shannon
Collins Fire Dept. (Mississippi)

August 2, 2006

Rest in peace. Not forgotten.

Inv. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Department

Rest easy sir as your duty to country is still recognized. We will continue for you.

Deputy M. Moore
Warren County S.O. (OH)