Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I was four years out of high school when Officer Leonard Miller was killed in a town near where I live.
His bravery, to go after two armed men alone, who were baiting him, stands in stark contrast to the cowardice of the politicians who imposed and continue to impose, a moratorium on carrying out death penalty sentences in Pennsylvania. Thank God there are such men as Leonard Miller who do what's right and seek justice, and not like those politicians who stand in the way of it. I can't believe Leonard's killer, who killed four more besides Leonard, is still alive 43 years later.

Matt Mawhinney
Citizen of Greensburg, PA

February 10, 2023

Leonard,

As I sit in the Apollo Police station tonight, on the eve of 43 years since we lost you, another local officer was killed this evening. I know that you will be there to greet him. Rest In Peace Brother.

Officer Ron Baustert
Apollo Police Department

January 2, 2023

I was 11 years old in 1980 and remember you very well. It’s been 42 years but it still seems like yesterday. Rest In Peace Patrolman Miller you will never be forgotten.

Susan Miller Leeis

January 2, 2022

Rest in peace Patrolman Miller.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 21, 2021

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

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

August 26, 2020

After 40 years you’re still remembered. What a tribute to a dedicated police officer who made such a sacrifice at such a young age.
You will not be forgotten.

Lt. J.C. Downey (Retired)
City of DuBois Police Department

January 18, 2020

Service planned for Apollo cop killed 40 years ago during Kill for Thrill spree

Posted on TribLive January 13, 2020

A memorial service will be held Sunday in honor of Apollo Police Officer Leonard C. Miller, who was killed 40 years ago during the Kill for Thrill murder spree.

The service will start at 2 p.m. at Apollo First Lutheran Church and be open to the public, police officers and first responders.

Miller, 21, was killed on Jan. 3, 1980, on the Westmoreland County side of a bridge connecting Oklahoma to Apollo in Armstrong County. He was pursuing a sports car and was shot and killed near the now-demolished Belvedere Hotel.

Two men in the sports car — 21-year-olds Michael Travaglia of Washington Township and John Lesko of Homestead — were arrested later that day. Police charged them in the Kill for Thrill spree that took four lives across the region over eight days, including Miller’s.

Both men eventually were sentenced to death in Miller’s case. Travaglia died on death row in 2017. Lesko is Pennsylvania’s longest-serving death row inmate.

The Rev. Dr. Philip Ramstad will lead the service. The Rev. June Jeffries, pastor of Apollo New Life Baptist Church, will deliver the sermon. Choirs from both churches will sing and remarks and readings will be made by others.

An offering will be taken to support the Leonard C. Miller Scholarship Fund, which provides a scholarship to an Apollo-Ridge senior who plans to major in criminal justice. Donations will be accepted to support Lenape Technical School’s Law Enforcement Technology program activities.

Afterwards, refreshments will be available in the church social hall courtesy of the Friends of Leonard C. Miller and Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church Association in Apollo.

Retired Police Officer
NYPD

January 13, 2020

Rest in peace.

Lt. Jim Russo

January 4, 2020

Rest in peace Patrolman Miller. Young, handsome and brave!

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 1, 2019

Rest In Peace, brother. Never be forgotten

Chief of Police
Borough of Apollo

January 9, 2019

RIP Brother

Sgt Michael Ropelewski
Harrison Township Police Department

January 3, 2019

I will always miss your easy hardy laugh, jokes, that beautiful smile! May you rest is peace, brother and know you are loved.

Sam Miller, Captain, Retired
Jupiter Police Department

January 3, 2018

As a young news reporter I covered this tragic story. Officer Miller was an only child. His Mother, whom I interviewed, was informed and bed fast. His Father, an elderly slight man, who wore his grief with quiet dignity, was in th courtroom every day. Officer Miller was the last victim of the "kill for thrill" duo, that should have been excecuted decades ago.

Congressman Ron Klink

January 6, 2017

As a young news reporter I covered this tragic story. Officer Miller was an only child. His Mother, whom I interviewed, was informed and bed fast. His Father, an elderly slight man, who wore his grief with quiet dignity, was in th courtroom every day. Officer Miller was the last victim of the "kill for thrill" duo, that should have been excecuted decades ago.

Congressman Ron Klink

January 5, 2017

Execute those A* H* ...Now ... Just now

May his sole rest in peac. A real hero that sacrificed his life the peace and prosperity of HIS fellow humanbeings. You are GREAT my dear brother

Srini Cherukuri

March 9, 2015

leonard was a friend thru belonging to Vandergrift vfd #2 and him belonging to Apollo vfd. was always a fun guy to be around was proud of his home town and really was the guy that wanted to make a difference and an improvement to the town and the kiski valley. sadly missed by all

Gene Hepler firefighter/emt
wash.twp vfc westmoreland cty

January 3, 2014

I was 17 years old when Officer Miller was killed. I met him at a football game for Kiski. He was very kind and considerate. He has been missed.

Elaine Kelly

January 2, 2014

i am a student at mission hills high school and did a research project for patrolman leonard miller i am sad to hear what happen to him my prayers go to his family

isaac padilla
student

May 16, 2013

Today the governor signed the death warrant for the execution for one of your killers. The execution is to take place in September. Hopefully Justice will be served.

Capt. Douglas Edgell
City of Aliquippa Police Dept.

July 19, 2012

I was 10 years old when you died. And now I've been an officer for almost 20. I want you to know that every time I pass the spot where you were killed I say a prayer for you and your family. I'm sure you are in a better place, where you deserve to be; but I will not forget you. Rest in peace, my brother.

Trooper
PSP

March 14, 2012

I never knew Leonard Miller personally, but my parents did and said he was the nicest person that one could ever meet. Its a shame that some one so young was taken away from us for no reason at all!!! And whats worse is that these sick sadistic assholes are still living 32 years later... There is something totally wrong with this, and our justice system needs some serious reconstruction!!!! I didnt know, and its a total shame that I will never know him, but words cannot describe my thanks and graditude for him sacrificing his own life doing what he loved. It takes guts and courage to be a police officer, and I am forever grateful to Leonard C. Miller!!!

Chad Fasenmyer
Friend
January 11, 2012

Chad Fasenmyer
Friend

January 11, 2012

Leonard was taken much too soon. He's remembered by all who knew him as a gentle soul and someone you just wanted to be around. Every year since his death I think of him and how much he meant to all of us in Apollo.

Lori
friend

January 5, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the thhirty-first 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect and your memory will always be honored and revered. I pray for solace for all those who love and miss you for I know the pain and pride are forever. I am so sorry you lost your life at such a young age and after only achieving your dream of full time status officer for such a brief period.

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

January 3, 2012

32 years later and still missed.

Officer (retired)
Apollo Police

January 3, 2012

Leonard,

Just wanted you to know that I am thinking of you. This year has been bad for local officers. I am sure that you are waiting to greet each and every one as the come through the gates. Rest in Peace.

Ptlm R Baustert
Gilpin Twp Police Dept

December 22, 2011