Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

On December 19, 2006 at 6:19 I witnessed a coworker, a friend, and a brother being struck and killed by motor vehicle. Moments before the collision, I spoke with Jonathan on the phone as we often did just before he started his shift. As I looked up in my rear view mirror I could see his cruiser. This was routine for all Troopers assigned to A sector of Pike County. We would park beside one another, in the median on US119 at Sidney. When Jonathan attempted to cross the four lane, he unknowingly pulled into the path of an oncoming vehicle and was tragically killed. I have never spoke publicly about the details I witnessed and experienced that night and never will. I have carried those memories with me over the last 13 years of my career as a Kentucky State Trooper. When on the scene of a critical incident Troopers push through, in an effort to get help to those who need it, save lives and process scenes. It’s just what we do. No time to process what we all are truly thinking. Those thoughts are buried deep within each of us and best described as “service above self”. I continued to drive past that scene everyday until I retired on October 1st, 2019. I could never wear that uniform again, so I thought.

Just prior to retirement, I attended “KYPCIS” . Kentucky Post Critical Incident Seminar. Completely unaware and not knowing what the program was about, I decided to attend. After attending the program I returned as a peer team member to help others. Because of PCIS I was able to begin my healing process. Just over a year has passed since my retirement. On December 1, 2020, I was hired as a Kentucky State Trooper R at Post 14 in Ashland. I’m wearing the same badge I was wearing the last shift I worked with Unit 750. I will never forget the memories we shared as Troopers working in “A”sector. “A” sector units have a bond like no other. Most importantly I will never forget the time you gave so selflessly listening to me. Unit 695 will forever be a part of who I am. Once a Kentucky State Trooper , always a Kentucky State Trooper!

Trooper Jimmy Nolte
Kentucky State Police

December 20, 2020

I never had the honor of meeting you. However I can say i'am beyond bless to have meet your family and your friends. Your father and your mother are two of the best people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting, and to me that speaks volume of the kind of son, brother, friend, and Trooper you were. God bless you and your family.

KSP 756

March 19, 2016

GOD BLESS YOU AND GOD SPEED BROTHER

Sheriff (Ret) / Deputy Ray Caudill
Fayette Co. Sheriff Dept. Lexington, Kentucky

December 19, 2015

I scratched your name off the wall in DC this summer. I placed my badge over your name and remembered our days at Belfry HS. Rest Easy and Fly High my friend.

Officer T Justice
Winfield PD

August 26, 2015

Very missed and loved. God Bless your sweet Family and rest in peace brother. Life is so precious, and I'm so sorry Johnathan that you left untimely. I have told a lot of the new Tprs. About your collision I want them to take from the conversation at least to never take anything for granted and to be thankful for each day and the blessings that you have. Love

Tpr. Bryan Layne U/434
Kentucky State Police

January 25, 2014

On the 6th anniversary of your meeting with God, we celebrate not your death, but your service to the people of Pike County. As a citizen, I bear salutations to your bravery to put on the steel of the KSP. Only if all people understood your service to us. Thank you!

8th Grader @ Johns Creek
Thankful Citizen

December 19, 2012

Missing my son my trooper, as it nears your six year anniversary I am reminded of how many lives you have touched. Last year at the candlelight service we had such a great turnout, I hope this year has just as many people.. You will be glad to know you are not forgotten and your family has been taken of. I pray that each day I make your memory a good one and I continue to follow through with your wishes.....Miss you son

Tpr. Jonathan K. Leonard
KSP Post 9

November 26, 2012

Thinking of you. Look for me in Heaven. Jonathan watch over us, in this world of trials and trouble. God Bless this Peacekeeper and his Father and Mother.
Love You.

Tpr. Bryan Layne U/434
KSP Post 9

May 23, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the fifth 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 who was murdered in the 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.

I pray for the solace of all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Rest In Peace.

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

December 19, 2011

Bro, know that as I sit here across the world you are never forgotten and will always be remebered. Im proud to say that you were my friend. My thoughts are with you and yours. Rest easy.

From some small outpost in the Pikeville like hills of Afghanistan.

Tpr. Mike Garyantes u/584 (Class 81)
Kentucky State Police Post 4

November 4, 2011

I've read the praises of the respect you've earned, but I notice, aside from your loving mother, no citizen has thanked you, that I've seen here. A hero, to some may have a cape, but to me, it's a man or woman who, in the face of things that many would cower from, does their duty, all too aware of what the consequences may be.

I'm sad to say I never had the privilege to know you sir. I have been greatly blessed in meeting some of those you worked with, and they are the best of the best. It's hard to think it's been beyond five years, and no words I can say or type will fill any voids, let along bring any resolve to the pain those who knew and loved you must certainly feel.

But I can say thank you for a passion to service I've heard you displayed on more than one occasion, and thank you for the lives you touched, and the lives you with out doubt saved by your actions and commitment,some of which may only be known to God.

I hope to one day realize the solemn honor that must be yours in service, and to know that your time here not only mattered, but mattered more greatly than many will ever realize. You made such a difference. In that I say,

Thank you Trooper.
God's Speed.
Respectfully,

Chris Slone
Just a citizen

January 14, 2011

Still missin you.

Christy
KSP Dispatcher

December 19, 2010

Trooper Leonard,

Know that you will always be remembered for your service and dedication to the profession. Rest In Peace Sir, and God Speed!

Ofc. D. Abbott
Peterborough Police Dept. (NH)

May 18, 2010

Rest in Peace Trooper. God Bless you, the KSP, and the family you left on earth.

Trooper
Michigan State Police

March 18, 2010

"Were a star quenched on high, for ages would its light, still traveling downward from the sky, shine on our mortal sight. So when a great man dies, for years beyond our ken, the light he leaves behind him lies upon the paths of men."
- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Your light is still shining brightly, Jonathan. I didn't make it to the memorial service this year because of the snow and lack of electricity, but I thought of you all through the day (as I do every day) and especially that evening. It's so hard to believe three years have passed. Mindi gave me a memorial book of photos from the events of that first year and it brought back such a flood of memories I couldn't help but cry (again). Just know that no matter how much time goes by you'll never be forgotten.

Christy Runyon
KSP Dispatcher

December 28, 2009

Jonathan,

Driving down the road today, my Troooper and I heard a Pearl Jam song and instantly your face popped up in my mind. Being the anniversary of your passing, I thought about the dreadful events of that evening and wondered if my Trooper thought of you as often as I; he does. A day doesn't begin or end that I don't think of you and the sacrifice you gave. I don't know why God decided your life should end so suddenly and it hurts me to think about the loss experienced by your family and friends; however, at the same time, I know you are looking down, still serving and protecting, this time over your brothers in gray. RIP

Trooper's Wife
KSP

December 19, 2009

Jonathan, tonight marked the third year that's passed since we lost you. I thought of you the whole day. We gathered tonight for a candlelight service and we had to brave the cold and slush to get there! Your wonderful mother said you'd laugh at us for standing outside in the freezing cold rain with snow over our ankles!! I miss you and your contagious smile...and your late night phone calls asking for someone to talk to you while you drove home. I read a quote this year that immediately made me think of you - "How lucky we were to have known someone to whom it was so hard to say goodbye."

Mindi
KSP Post 9 Dispatcher

December 19, 2009

Happy Birtday, Today you would have been thirty-one. I miss you more and more everday, people say just give it time, time is only a reminder of how long is has been since I have talked to you. Love always

Karen Leonard
Jonathan's Mother

August 4, 2009

Thinking of you today, as always. We sure do miss you around here. Please watch over my trooper and keep him safe, as you did here on earth. We love you!

Anonymous

May 25, 2009

Got to go to Washington DC not too long ago and saw your name. Brought back a lot of memories from back in 2006. Just wanted you to know your still thought of and missed daily, rest in peace brother.

Another Trooper
KSP

March 15, 2009

Today marked two years since you left us. It really doesn't seem like that much time has passed. You're still on my mind each and every day. There was a small service for you tonight and it was so wonderful to see so many people gather together to remember you! It's further confirmation of what a wonderful person you were and how much your life has influenced others. Thank you for sharing your life with us.

Mindi
KSP Dispatcher - Post 9

December 19, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this second 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

December 19, 2008

As the anniversary of your death approaches (tomorrow), I find myself thinking of the sacrifice you gave. Your name and face cross my mind on an almost daily basis--each time I watch my Trooper leave for another shift, I think of you. I find comfort in knowing that you are up above, providing watch over your brothers in gray. I pray for your families comfort and as year 2 passes, still wish to say thank you for paying the ultimate sacrifice in the name of service above self. Rest in peace.

Anonymous

December 18, 2008

Trooper Leonard...my heart goes out to your family. This man gave the ultimate sacrifice!!! I came across a video of your funeral procession and tears immediately came to my eyes. The moment you were driven by is when the tears poured. It is amazing how someone you have never met can make such an impact on you!!! Thank you for serving and protecting our great state!!!

Deputy
Daviess Co, Ky

December 17, 2008

You are never forgotten!!! Life goes on and people move forward but for those who loved you time stands still.

Anonymous

December 14, 2008