Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

It’s been 21 years now! I’m still here, at the same exact age when you last spoke those words to me; “Alex, I will be here when you get back!” I would have NEVER, in a Milion Years think it would be your very last spoken words to ME!

I will love you, as a Father figure, mentor, and confidant until my very last breath!

Rest well Chief;
Sincerely Whittington, SGT; CPD!

Sergeant
Crisfield Police Department

April 20, 2024

Chief Leatherbury,
On today, the 20th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Crisfield. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

February 21, 2023

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice are always remembered by your law enforcement brethren.

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

February 21, 2021

Rest in peace Chief of Police Leatherbury.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 15, 2020

Rest in heavenly peace on this your 17 anniversary In heaven

Mark Mottola

February 21, 2020

As a new State Trooper in 1989, I was understandably nervous about my new career. I was part of a new group of troopers that had just graduated from the academy. Having been assigned to Centerville Barrack, my Commander was Lt. Ernest J. Leatherbury. Well, I didn't do so well as a trooper. I made mistakes, but kept going. At some point during the process, I decided to resign. During a meeting, in which I made my intentions known, Lt. Leatherbury said something to me that has stayed with me for a very long time. He said, Trooper Moses, I had you picked out as the best of the bunch. At the time, I was not sure abut my decision to leave the MSP. In the years since, I have often thought of Lt. Leatherbury's kind words. When I heard of his passing, I was taken back to those days. It breaks my heart that I left the Maryland State Police. Even more so, it breaks my heart that I never took the time to thank this very kind man for his encouraging words to me that day. As I remember Lt. Leatherbury, he was a fair man with a high degree of integrity. In my opinion, he was the very essence of what a Maryland State Trooper should be. I regret not having stayed on and following his example.

May he rest with the Lord.

Trooper Peter M. Moses (Resigned).
Former State Trooper MSP.

July 21, 2016

I will never forget you Chief E. Leatherbury Sr. You were my role model and mentor. You gave me the opportunity to serve the community, taught me about the true meaning of serving with compassion first, and most importantly about being a servant of the people. As I stood with you on that evening I did not know, could not have known that your last words to me would be so prophetic. I will never forget until my last breath those words. After we walk back inside and as I walked past your office, with the suspect in tow, you looked with that unique smile and said, "You okay?" I replied, "Yes Sir, no problem." And then, those words............."I will still be here when you get back." I thank GOD that I had the privilege of meeting a special and unique person such as YOU! May you rest in peace. May God Bless his family.

Sgt. Alexander Whittington Jr.
Crisfield Police Department 2001-2004

July 8, 2012

I worked at Barrack E Salisbury in 1974 when you were a trooper .May you rest in peace and may god bless you. You will not be forgotten.

Lt.J.Pease
B.P.D

February 21, 2012

Heard good things about this man. Wish I could have met him. RIP brother!

PFC Cramer
The Crisfield Police Department

February 11, 2012

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones on this day. I know that every day since you were called away that they have thought of you. Continue to watch over them. You will never be forgotten. Thank you for your long and dedicated career in law enforcement.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

February 21, 2010

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this day before the anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

February 20, 2010

Always remembere & honored 4 his many years of service & his ultimate sacrifice.

Joanie
Mother, daughter, sister & granddau. of LEOs

February 19, 2010

The years passed do not erase the memories.
I love you Uncle Ernest

Cynthia Leatherbury Northington
Niece

February 18, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. Continue to keep watch over them and those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

February 21, 2009

"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

February 18, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR LONG AND DEDICATED YEARS OF SERVICE. YOU ARE A HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE. GOD BLESS YOU AND ALL THOSE THAT LOVE YOU.

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

February 12, 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

February 11, 2008

To Chief Leatherbury and Ernie Jr. Just wanted you to know I haven't forgotten either of you and have the highest respect for what your dad has done. As it appears my tour is coming to an end, I pray to God that he watches over you as you continue yours and he uses your dad to watch over all the guardians of our streets. Stay Safe.

Respectfully,
PFC Rusty Savage Salisbury PD (MD)

PFC R. Savage
Salisbury PD (MD)

October 2, 2007

God bless you for your years of service and your sacrifice for your community.

DE
St. Louis City Police

September 1, 2007

Four years have passed now. You will not be forgotten. Thank you for your service.

a Pennsylvania citizen

February 21, 2007

Remembering you on the anniversary of your EOW. Gone but not forgotten. Thank you for your service.

wife of a michigan deputy

February 21, 2007

Thinking of you today and everyday Chief.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

February 21, 2007

To the family and friends of Chief Ernest Joseph Leatherbury Sr, and to his officers with the Crisfield Police Department:

On this the third year anniversary of his untimely death, I extend our family's sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you sustained when Chief Leatherbury tragically died in the line of duty on February 21, 2003. His valor, dedication, and leadership will not be forgotten and we salute his courage. He is a true hero.

May you continue to be supported and comforted by your military law enforcement family, and other police survivors who share this painful journey with you.

Most especially to Chief Leatherbury: We honor your memory today. You were and remain a hero whose memory is revered. Rest in Peace.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the thirty-one years of distinquished service Chief Leatherbury gave to his community and the citizens of Maryland, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on February 21, 2003.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater of Pittsburg Police Dept. eow 4/24/05

February 21, 2006

You are not forgotten..............

Sgt. Al Whitney
Yuma County Sheriff's Office, Yuma, AZ

March 19, 2004

TO the family of Chief Leatherbury, I am so sorry for your loss. This stuck me just as hard as it did the day I found out my best friend Edward Plank was dead of a Gunshot. I can only imagine the pain you go through everyday with it being your husband and father... I know all the fallen officers are watching over us now, just as our family members are. Please know we thank Chief Leatherbury for all he did for the Worcester County he took a Police Station on the brink of ruins and made the whole community a better place to be.....May he rest in peace.....

Liz
New Church, Va

December 10, 2003