Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Leon,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Cotton Plant. 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

I did go on to Nursing and Paramedic Schools…. Partly because of THAT night!! I remember wishing there was more I could do!!

I know NOW…. This wouldn’t have made a difference THAT night, but as a nurse/paramedic in West Tennessee…. I hope I have touched lives in a position way…..

Rest easy!! I will never forget!!!

Robin Brainard
LPN/Paramedic

January 2, 2024

It has been almost 40 years since we responded on an ambulance call for a shooting in Cotton Plant……I have not forgotten.
I was only a basic EMT, but I remember you!!
Rest easy……

Robin Brainard
Former Brinkley EMT-Basic

December 12, 2023

Officer Roy Leon...the cost you paid that tragic day, that tragic moment is yet with me in memory still. I heard the news and still saddened of your loss of life and those that lost you that day. My heart yet cries out for you and I too as one stated still remember your smile and those pearlie white teeth. Just remembering you as the date approaches. You are dearly missed.

Charlann McFarlin

May 31, 2021

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

You are still thought of and missed. My friend I'll never forget as long as I have thoughts with me. Hugs n love always.

Charlann (Whitby) McFarlin

charlann mcfarlin
Brinkley High Alumni friend

October 1, 2018

Dear Brother I miss you so. I think about you often and I wonder what life would have been like with you with us today. Your laugh is still here I hear it in me son's Peter's voice when he laughs. So you do live on through him. we all miss you and love you. I still remember that hot summer day in July 1984 as very well. Several things stand out for me the most, it was the day that two towns suffered. I lost a best friend and a brother and the day I saw my Daddy cry and weep in grief. That day forever changed our lives, but GOD kept US all. Chief Cross you are miss and loved as well. Thank you for being with my brother at his time of need and not leaving him. I pray daily for both of our families. Rest in peace dear brother. rest in Peace.

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 Officer Leon 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

You are always loved and remembered my wonderful and crazy big brother. I often think of you and remember the tricks you use to play on me. Sometimes I can hear your laughter in breeze or remember something that you said to me to make me smile. You always encourage me to dream and then to follow after those dreams. I did. Now I have those dreams. thank you Big Brother for giving your all to protect others. I love you forever.

Cynthia Diana Leon Turner Morman
Your Sister

March 23, 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. You are not forgotten.

SDDO
DHS

June 25, 2008

Rest in Peace, Officer Leon. 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

Officer Leon:

My brother died with you on this tragic day. Please remember that you and your family are not forgotten.

GARY W. CROSS

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

September 24, 2006

Thank you Offc.Leon.May you Rest in Peace.

July 13, 2006

It has been a long time, but I have never forgotten you. I was a brand new EMT. And this was such a tragic call. After more than 20 years now in EMS, you are still inn my memory. That one specific all a young EMS worker has taken with her throughout her career.

May you rest in peace with God!

Robin Brainard Paramedic
Brinkley Ambulance Service

February 19, 2004