Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Donald, I am your granddaughters mother, my name is Liz. We never got a chance to meet. You were taken from this world in 1995 and your son and I met in 2003. Your son is an amazing man and a dedicated father. Many people I’ve met since have told me of your life. You’ve made an impact on many lives. 28 years later you are still missed, remembered and honored. From one law enforcement officer to another: “ we owe a debt we can never repay to the courageous officers who laid down their lives to protect ours. “ rest in peace sir, we will take it from here.

Liz Gemes

September 11, 2023

Special agent Leonard,25 years ago today you where horrifically murdered along with 167 other people. may you continue to rest in heaven

Mark Mottola

April 19, 2020

Agent Leonard,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

April 19, 2020

Rest in peace Special Agent Leonard.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 30, 2019

Hej Don,

Hard to believe it's been 18 years. I still remember being told that you were one of the agents killed, the sadness that followed.
I remember working with you on a few details, the true professional you were, but also your kind soul. Rest in peace.

L. A. Bykowsky
ATF K-9 Handler, retired
K-9 L. E. EOW 5/10/09

April 13, 2013

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

June 25, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today on the 17th 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 solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace. Thanks to your friends for sharing their memories and devotion to you in their reflections.

Rest In Peace.

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

April 19, 2012

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 anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

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

April 19, 2010

To you Special Agent Donald R.Leonard,you and all those that left your loved ones that day will always be remembered forever in our hearts and prayers.

Anonymous

October 20, 2008

Rest in peace brother, you have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Middletown P.D. (Ohio)

April 19, 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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

March 31, 2008

Thankyou AGENT LEONARD for your service and sacrifice protecting all of us. You are a hero and will never be forgotten.

POLICE OFFICER
PHILA PA 9TH DISTRICT

February 5, 2008

12 years ago, I went to work as I normally do. I took my kids to daycare, busied myself with the events of the day and did not think that such an act could ever be possible.

It was snowing here the day this happened and it was a grey day for the funeral of a co-worker and her daughter who had been killed by a drunk driver a few days earlier. I remember feeling anguish for them and then being struck numb after hearing about this incident. The world never felt as safe again.

Thank you for going to work each day to protect and serve the general public. May you reap rewards in heaven and find eternal rest. May your family, friends and co-workers have comfort in the knowledge that God held your hand that morning as he took you home.

Rest well, warrior, the job is done down here and you may guard those who follow in your footsteps from above.

APD LEO's wife

April 19, 2007

I can remember being so upset that someone would do this only to find out later, the killers were Americans and from my hometown. Many lessons were learned that day. None of you are forgotten.
Melissa
wife of a leo

April 19, 2007

Thank you for your service and sacrifice, sir.

A Citizen

May 10, 2006

To the family and friends of Don Leonard you have my deepest sympathy.

Don and I shared an office in the St. Louis Field Office. He was a good man, an excellent teacher and a fine friend. He will always be remembered.

ATSAIC Peter Damos
U.S. Secret Service - San Antonio

May 11, 2005

We remember.

April 19, 2005

The policeman stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry a badge
can't always be a saint."

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at time I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgement of his god.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've born your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell"

GREGG HOUSTON
SOUTH CAROLINA

July 26, 2004

05/11/04

Each day I try to read the ODMP. Today I read your story. Any officer who dies in the line of duty will always be remembered for his sacrafice. You died a hero. Rest in peace Agent Leonard.

Captain Robert W Cannon, Ret.
Vermilion Co, Il. Sheriff's Dept.

May 12, 2004

No officer that gave his life should be without reflection……

“For those who pledge to uphold it, Freedom requires a sacrifice the protected will never know”

December 24, 2003