Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

This is a big weekend for your family. Your oldest son, Justin, is making his First Communion, and your youngest brother. Jake, is going off to his senior prom. Through all of this, you are in the hearts and on the minds of us all. I can't begin to tell you what you mean to so many people. You will always be so very special. We love you and we miss you every minute of every day.

Terry

You made the ultimate sacrifice that we all fear and must face. Rest easy brother.

Police Officer
Denver Police Department

We miss you as much today as the day the world lost you. Your little brother Jake has enlisted in the Marine's and leaves for Parris Island this summer. I know you will watch over him Wayne, just as you did while you were here with us. Please keep him safe. I don't know how you would feel about him getting a tatoo, but he snuck out and got one. I was upset when he first told me...until I saw it. It is a crucifix with your initals WAL and your badge number 1338. We love you Wayne.
Terry

Terry

Wayne,
More than 2 years have gone by since I last spoke to you in roll call that morning. Not too many days go by that I don't think of you. I still think of what could have been had my situation that January been slightly different. I know how much you loved listening to AC/DC, especially "Whole lota Rosie". Every time I hear that song thoughts of you and that fateful day come rushing back like it was yesterday. Nobody will understand what those of us who were there felt that day, and will continue to feel for the rest of our lives. We all miss you dearly. We also know that heaven is a safer place with you there.


Anonymous

Anonymous
Cleveland Police

Wayne,
Today should be a celebration of your 34th birthday. Instead, we weep for the man who will forever be 32.
Not a day goes by that you are not thought of with cherished memories and love.
Your little brother recently finished his High School internship with the CPD. He wants to follow in your footsteps, Wayne, and even though I worry, I do understand, and I am proud of him for choosing you as a role model and wanting to become a "man" in the mold his brother made.
We love you and We miss you Wayne.
Terry and Jake

Terry
CPD/Retired

Wayne Leon was my friend. He reminded me of my oldest son. I knew from the first time i met him that we would have a special relationship. I believe he trusted my judgment and often sought my advice. He was physically strong and mentally prepared. He was a dedicated police officer who was true to his vocation. He loved his family more than himself. He was an artist who used his skills to make his children happy. He was a loving husband to his wife,who adored him. God wanted him to help guard his Kingdom. We need him to help guard ours. I think of him everyday. I miss him everyday. Heaven's a better place because he is there,our streets are less safe,our Community has one less hero.

robert beck,patrolman
cleveland police department

To The Leon Family:

Last year I was a cadet in the patrol academy and our class ran the in the Fallen Officers' Torch Run. Waynes' name was on my sleeve. Being from Cleveland and have many relatives past and present on CPD, I know Wayne and the four other fallen officer on my sleeve are always watching and protecting their brothers and sisters out there. God Bless Your Family.

137th Patrol Academy Class

Trooper
Ohio State Highway Patrol

I am the son of a Cleveland Police officer and the death of Officer Wayne A.Leon hit very close to home.The reason for this is my dad worked with him and his father. From what i heard about officer Leon is that he was a great person to work with.The person who killed him was a coward any person who shoots an officer of the law is a coward in my eyes.Rest In Peace Officer Leon.

Anonymous

Officer Leon,

After joining the explorer program with the Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Department, I had made a decision that I wanted to become a Police Officer. After only a year in the program, I had recieved the word of your passing. I felt horrible. Your passing made me realize that the same thing could happen to me. I attended your funeral with a fellow explorer. It was truly an experience that I hope will never leave me. I realized what an honor it is to be envolved in the law enforcement community. I hope that one day, I will be able to serve the citizens of Cuyahoga County the same way you served the citizens of Cleveland, with Pride and Honor. God Bless you always. I'll see you on the other side.

Sgt. Brandon M. Delly
Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Department
Explorer Post 701

Sgt. Brandon M. Delly
Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Department Explorer Post 701

To the family of Officer/Hero Wayne A. Leon:

I am the son of retired Hamilton County (OHIO) Homicide Detective, Dennis R. Goebel. My father was a 28 year veteran of the Department. I always admired my father and what he did for a living. He put his life on the line everyday to make this world a better place. It takes a very special person to make that kind of sacrafice.

I, myself just applied to take the Cincinnati Police Department Written Exam in September 2001. I hope to someday soon follow in my father's footsteps. I only recently discovered this site. I have read numerous stories of Police Officer's killed in the line of duty on this site. Stories of courage, bravery, and selflessness. Each story I read on one hand saddens hy heart. While on the other, offers proof that there are still some brave souls in this world that give without taking, these few are the modern day Heros. The fact that they exist comforts me in this day and age. I came across Wayne's name earlier today, it seemed to stand out to me.

I never knew Wayne but I would like to say thank you to him and his family for the brave sacrifice he made for me and the other members of the Ohio community. He is in my eyes a true Hero. He died for what he believed in. He is a man to admire.

If I do one day have the honor of being a Police Officer I pray that the spirit of Wayne and the other Officers that have made the ultimate sacrifice may be by my side while on patrol.

Know that Wayne has not been forgotten by the community and that you his family are in our prayers.

John R. Goebel
Cincinnati, OH

John R. Goebel

A year ago today you were taken from us. It is still fresh in our memory, seeing you, not being able to help you. Life without you...the world without you is not the same. There is less laughter, less joy. You need to know that one year from the day you were taken...or 50 years...you will always be missed with an infinite amount of love. I know that you are in heaven...I know that there must be such a place...there must be, because you were too good, to brave, too loving and caring to just stop existing. Any comfort we find, we find in knowing that you are watching over us all and that someday, we will be able to, again, look into your eyes, see your smile and touch your face...We love you Wayne...

Terry

Today is your birthday.
This is difficult for us all.
We miss you and we love you, Wayne...
God got the best when he got you...

Terry