Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Lenny,
In the early 80's you worked as a radio dispatcher for the Sacramento FBI Field Office. This was back in the day before cell phones so you would also take telephone messages for agents in the field and knew what was important. You were going to school at night to get a criminal justice degree. I remember more than once we talked about you wanting to be an FBI agent. I told you that while the Bureau would not want to lose a good employee, I suggested that before you applied to go and work for a local police department to get the experience that would make you a better agent. I later transferred to the Los Angeles office and lost touch with you. It was years later when I heard about how you and your partner made the ultimate sacrifice while serving with the Richmond Police Department. I have seen your name on the California Peace Officers' Memorial near the State Capitol. It has been 31 years. Rest in peace brother. You are not forgotten.

Scott Hanley, Special Agent (ret.)
FBI

December 24, 2023

I cannot fathom that it has been 30 years now, I remember this awful day like it was yesterday. Rest easy hero.

Chief Craig Miller (Former RPD #1142)
Wiggins Colorado Police Department

December 30, 2022

Leonard, it's been 30 years since we lost you and Dave. Every year I remember losing my friends and team mates. Last night it started to rain just like it did the night we lost you. I worked and partnered with both of you and I will never forget the first time I saw and met Leonard. It was a barricaded suspect in Easter hill. I was in patrol and we surrounded the house. It was a SWAT callout and I saw Leonard and some others from VICE/ Narcotics walking over a hill with the light at their backs. They had trench coats on and it looked like a movie scene. At that moment I said "I want to do that". I would always try to talk with you and the other NARC guys to learn as much as I could. While on patrol one night we stopped a guys with a bag of guns. It was my first experience having a suspect become a CI and you were there to walk us through it. You took us out with him that night and bought some rock. That was another great night with you.I was lucky enough to be on your team and we partnered up some nights. A few nights before we lost you we stopped by the Deparment Christmas party together and got some good food and see if anyone had to much to drink or acting like a fool. We laughed and took a picture with one of the DA's which I wish I could get. On the fatal night we were talking about the upcoming days off and you talked about how you couldn't wait to go home, order a pizza and watch your new big screen TV.

I heard the initial call come out over the radio and told dispatch I would take it because I only had a few minutes left at lunch. I was on the 3rd floor and when the elevator doors opened you were there. You (Leonard) said "did you take that call?" I told you "yeah, I only have a few left on lunch" then you said "go ahead and finish, I'll take it". I went back to finish lunch and a few minutes later heard the 11-99 call. My heart stopped and I ran to my car. I didn't work the south side much so I didn't know where the address was. Luckily Officer Jenkins met me as I was running down the stairs and I followed him to the apartment complex. When we got there Jenkins told me to get Leonard's shotgun from his car and "let's go get our guys....shoot any threats". We never got to go because they made it a SWAT callout so I sat next to a car for the next few hours in the rain across from the front door.
We all know how it ended and I went through a dark period for a while. I got the VICE/Narcotics spot and bought the trench coat.

I woke up this morning at 6:20 am. I always ask the question "why did you take that call Leonard?" It should have been my call. I know Leonard checks in on me because I got married 10 years ago and her birthday is December 27th. Love and miss both of you and will never forget.

VICE/Narcotics, Parton officer
Richmond PD retired, friend, team mate

December 27, 2022

Twenty-nine years later and still look to my calendar as a day of remembrance. Always prayers of thanks for the ultimate sacrifice that was given.

M. Tye: RPD ‘70-96 / Hercules PD1976-03
Fellow Ofc. & Friend

December 29, 2021

Rest in peace Officer Garcia.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 5, 2019

Rest in peace, Leonard.

Thank you for your service.

You are gone, but not forgotten.

God Bless you.

A friend

December 28, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. You are honored and remembered on the 25th anniversary of your EOW. Thank you and your family and coworkers for your sacrifice and service.

Officer Mike Robinson, (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

December 28, 2017

Officers Garcia and Haynes, you are not forgotten. RIP in the knowledge you gave without reservation..a guiding light for all of us remaining.

Craig Olesen, Director
AMRI Public Safety Dept. (IL)

July 24, 2016

Lenny.... miss you and
Dave..Was there that night..can't forget it... Miss you and Dave. RIP..Utmost respect for you! Love both of you.

it always hits me this time of year..I don't share this with anyone..

Sgt. Fred Gray
CCCSO and RPD #748

December 24, 2015

Mi hijito lindo, mi ángel,
I've just discovered this website -- 22 years after your death, and am warmed by the heartfelt tributes of your friends. Of course! You shall, for many future years, be lovingly remembered, and your service honored! And so shall the tears continue to fall, the pain of your absence felt, and the wish to enjoy your light-giving presence burn in my soul. Although you would be in your fifties now, you shall always remain my hijito, my nephew-son. and my guardian.

Lucia Ortiz y Garcia
Paternal aunt

January 27, 2015

This message is not exactly in reflection of the late officer Garcia (R.I.P.) but I would like to thank Richmond Police Officer, Mark Hall for sharing one of the most beautiful stories of inspiration on page 2 that I've ever read! It is not only extremely heart felt but it is also an utmost compliment to a great man who was once an honored protector and now a fallen hero, Officer Leonard Garcia. Again, thanks for sharing such a wonderful story.

M. Gonsalves / Hayward, Ca.
June 12th, 2014

June 12, 2014

Leonard was a great man and I am glad I new him.. He was like a older brother to me. His mother was my godmother and took care of me as a small Child. That was one of the hardest days for me when I lost my friend.. Rest in peace my dear friend

Michael Scott
Friend

January 11, 2013

Leonard, 20 years ago today you died that others may live; the ultimate sacrifice. Because of that sacrifice you will never be forgotten but it is how you lived not died that we will remember you by. Much love brother. RPD #1142

Sgt. Craig Miller
Greeley, Colorado Police Department

December 29, 2012

I will always hold a special place in my heart for you Leonard. A wonderful friend, a kind and selfless man, a great person.

Friend
My Friend

December 25, 2012

You are remembered Officer Garcia

Rest in Peace

Karen Washington
Richmond, California

July 13, 2012

Rest in Peace, Officer Garcia. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

January 19, 2012

God bless you my friend. You will live in our hearts forever.

Steve Harris #1167
Richmond Police, SWAT

January 2, 2012

Leonard, thinking of you this day. The anniversary of your death. God bless you my friend. You will live in our hearts forever.

Mark Williams
RPD/CCCSO

December 29, 2011

..... still miss you buddy!

Mst. Det. S. Harris #1167
Richmond Police, Homicide

May 15, 2011

I still remember that rainy day like it was yesterday. You are gone but you will never be forgotten because you and David are true heroes.

1142

Officer Craig Miller
Greeley PD

December 29, 2010

Thinking of you and your family on this day 18 years later.. We always will. God Bless you.

Mark Williams #1213

December 28, 2010

It is hard to believe it has been 18 years. Your friends and family still miss you and are always on our thoughts and prayers.

Police Officer
Richmond Police Department

December 28, 2010

It is hard to believe it has been 18 years. Your friends and family still miss you and are always on our thoughts and prayers.

Police Officer
Richmond Police Department

December 28, 2010

we still think about you....we still remember....we always have and we always will...Rest easy and rest well Warrior...

1327
RPD

December 28, 2010

Leonard, It's been a long time, we spent time together working undercover sitting in the back of the old RPD UC van doing surveillance in Richmond and El Cerrito. I remember talking about life, police work and family. I wish we would have more time . . . I now instruct at a police academy. I tell them your name and the sacrifice you made for the people of Richmond. You will not be forgotten!

Lt. John A. Carrillo
Chico Police Department

April 5, 2010