Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Chef Cross,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

July 13, 2024

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will always be remembered. Rest in peace always.

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

July 13, 2020

Leonard Cross good person his daughter like sister good cop. Rest in peace. Lynn a great friend and sister you be proud.

Regina Bailey
Daughter friend

July 20, 2019

Rest in peace Chief of Police Cross.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 1, 2019

I'm the daughter of Leonard Edward cross Sr I miss my dad everyday of my life & now after 35 years the person who killed my dad & offers Roy Leon is going back to court to see if he got a harsh sentence life in prison without pole was to harsh or to see if he can get proled it's sad to know that love you daddy

Lynn Brown
Daughter

April 15, 2019

I'm the daughter of Leonard Edward cross Sr I remember almost everything on that case, I have nightmares of that day to Lashonda Leon yes your dad was a good man him & my dad was real good friends I miss my dad so much

Lynn marie cross Brown
Daughter

April 14, 2019

My name is Lashonda Leon i was born July 7 1984 and my father wass killed july 13 1984 im his olny child and i still have questions all i know Roy Leon was a good man and i nevet got a chance to see that part cause of a 16 year old took his life rest up daddy olny if u were here

Lashonda marie leon
Daughter of ROY LEON

January 11, 2019

You are still remember and the pain is still as fresh. I was 18 years old when I lost my brother and my best friend, Officer Roy Leon, Jr. He and chief Leonard Cross were very pride of the work and protection that they provided to the town of Cotton Plant. And I will always be proud of them both.

Cynthia Diana Leon
Sister to Officer Roy Leon, Jr.

September 5, 2014

Rest in peace brother, we have the watch. I remember this day as well because 1984 had already been a horrible year in Arkansas for officer deaths. Small town near Brinkley, Arkansas and you would never think it could happen there but it did. And by another juvenile as well. God bless the family of Chief Cross as well as his friends and co-workers who survived him. God bless the peacemakers.

Senior Patrolman Donnie Meaders
Wewoka (OK) Police Department

December 25, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 29th anniversary year 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 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. Rest In Peace.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) Officer Larry Lasater

January 7, 2013

Rest in Peace, Your sacrifice has not been forgotten.

SDDO
DHS

June 25, 2008

Rest in Peace, Chief Cross. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

June 14, 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

August 6, 2007

My brother died and my mother's heart was broken dur to the actions of one person. One person's actions change the lifes of so many.

Leonard, we love and miss you!

Your loving brother,

GARY

Sgt Gary W. Cross
Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, FL (Brother)

September 24, 2006

Sir,May you Rest in Peace.Thank you for your service.

July 13, 2006

Just a note to say you are gone, but never forgotten. I responded to your call for help over 20 years ago now, as a rookie EMT. This call has been the one that has been with me throughout my career. "The night the ENTIRE police department of Cotton Plant Arkanas" lost their lives at the hands of a confused, disturbed child.

I pray you rest in peace at God's side. Rest assured you are gone, but never forgotten. Your death has affected THIS paramedic her entire career.

Robin Brainard Paramedic
Brinkley Ambulance Service

February 19, 2004