Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Keely,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Flint. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

September 24, 2024

Still feels like yesterday you were here. I think about you every day. You are missed by so so many. Your laughter, your jokes and your kind heart. I have felt you by my side riding shotgun in my cruiser. Miss you more than you will ever know. RIP Les, you were one of a kind.

Deputy Retired
Genesee County

September 24, 2023

Les, It’s Christmas 2021. I’m blessed to be sitting here thinking of all the fun we had working third shift patrol together with Carter McDonald. Over two years of nightly fun. I have plenty of memories to share with you . I think of you often and I have stayed in touch with your brother Dennis. See you soon. Your partner, Gary Hartley

Ofc. Gary Hartley FPD retired
Partner/ Friend

December 25, 2021

Over 20 years later and still talking about you/Just got off the phone with Bender. All we had to do is bring up motorcycle school at the Warren PD and the laughing starts.

Retired Ofc. Shawn Stimac
Flint PD

July 29, 2021

I can't even begin to explain how many times you literally saved my life,
And the rest of my coworkers at Kountry Kettle. I will never forget walking out of one stop on Fenton and Atherton around 3am, directly into a gang of guys, my girlfriend and I were immediately surrounded and seriously in trouble. Then I hear on a loudspeaker " Step away from the girls." And there were you and Doug Thibaut,( wrong spelling ).
If you hadn't been there, they would have hurt us. Probably badly. But what I remember most is your sense of humor. You were always laughing and cracking jokes. Which is really remarkable if you consider the terrible things you dealt with nightly. So, thank you my friend for my life, your protection and friendship. Your sacrifice for your community is remembered. You will a true Hero and you are missed.

Kristina Diekema
Friend

March 29, 2021

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)

September 24, 2020

I went to the police Academy with Off. Keely and spent the whole 15 years with him in Flint. He always had a smile on his face. He will always be remembered.

Sgt Sharon Dunbar (retired)
Flint, Mi PD

September 25, 2019

My brother (Deputy Sheriff) and I got together the other night & we were talking about you. He visited the LEO Memorial in Washington DC with his wife & sent a picture to Brandon of your name on the wall. Blessed are the peacemakers. It has been 20 years....Gone, but not forgotten.

Deputy Sheriff
Livingston County Sheriff (MI)

September 25, 2019

I had the honor of serving with Les from 1995-1999! What an awesome man, officer & friend. I can see him saying something funny during Roll Call & can see him smiling in the back of the station as we loaded up our vehicles. He encouraged me as an officer & boxer. May his memory live long & live strong. Thank you for the memories. God bless.

Officer Tracy Byrd
Clark County School District Police Department Las Vegas, NV

July 9, 2015

Les you were and still a wonderful friend. Think of that day often

Chaplain Herb Smith
formerly City Of Flint PD

September 24, 2014

We miss you Les. We shall never forget...

Your brothers and sisters at FPD

September 24, 2014

Les, I can't believe that it has been 13 years since you left us. I know you are in Heaven making jokes and laughing at all the crazy things that are going on down here! I know you were with me this morning and what a crazy twist of events that it would happen on the anniversary of your death (I think you had something to do with it!) I miss your laughter, your jokes and most of all your friendship. R.I.P. Les, I know we will see each other again.

September 24, 2012

I remember you, for some reason, after all of these years. I remember hearing the news story one morning about your death. I pray that your family and department stay safe and may you rest in peace. Thank you for your ultimate sacrifice to keep a thankless, miserable city safe. Flint didn't deserve a person as kind and nice as you.

CPL Kerr
US Army

August 7, 2011

les, you and i go back to the good ole beechtree days when you were a dj. we been friends since that time. i miss the old and newer days with you. god is keeping you and caring for your family.

may you remain at peace and we will remember you

a friend from the old days...

fpd sergeant
flint police dept

October 3, 2009

On this the tenth anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Officer Keely. I am so humbled by your valor and courage.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Leslie gave to his community and the citizens of our country, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on September 24, 1999.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

Anonymous

September 25, 2009

Well hard to beleive it has been 10 years since you left us. Still think about you every single day. I bet you and Clarance are having a ball together right now. I miss you so much it hurts sometimes. At the fire station I try to act the same way you would. Always pulling pranks and telling jokes to keep everyone happy and on there toes. Its gotten me in trouble a time or 2 but i am sure you would approve. Just letting you know how much I love you and miss you.

Chad J. Barnes
Nephew

September 24, 2009

Les, Where has the time gone? It has been almost ten years since you were suddenly taken from us. I will never forget you and how you touched my life. For those of us who were lucky enough to serve with you, you will never be forgotten.

Lt. William Khouri (retired)
Flint Police Department

September 10, 2009

I still remember you working security details at the old IMA. I was young and working a Toughman contest in one of the corners. A drunk fan got out of control and you were there to take care of the situation. You maybe gone, but you're not forgotten. Hard to believe it's almost been 10 years.

Deputy Sheriff
Livingston Co Sheriff (MI)

August 31, 2009

Still thinking about you brother. Your jokes and memories still live on.

CB

April 3, 2009

You're not forgotten. Rest in peace, Sir.

Deputy
Michigan

August 18, 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 14, 2007

I could sure go for a good dose of Uncle Les humor. We all miss you so very much.

October 23, 2007

My father, Arthur LaVigne, and my brother, Gary LaVigne both retired from Flint P.D. May God bless you for your service and sacrifice. Rest in Peace.

Former Res. Deputy Alan LaVigne
Vigo County, IN

September 25, 2007

Les,
I can't believe its been 8 years since you left us. I miss you daily and the way you made me laugh. I know you have the angels laughing like never before!
Miss you!
A Friend Forever

September 24, 2007

I still miss & think about you Les. You're gone but certainly not forgotten.

Mike

Mike McPherson
cousin

August 31, 2007