Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

May you continue to rest in peace in Heaven, Officer Leon.

Patrolman Kenneth Collins
South Amherst Police Department

June 26, 2025

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

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

June 25, 2025

NEVER FORGET! Honoring the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Police Officer Wayne A. Leon of the Cleveland Division of Police, Ohio and the additional 76 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer (Retired)
Ohio Attorneys General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

June 25, 2025

Heavenly Father, You are Compassionate and Merciful. None of America’s Peace Officers leave home without the fear of not returning at the end of their watch. It is a fear that is lived daily. Unfortunately, the worst does sometimes come to pass, and lives are left shattered. Lord God, bless and keep the hearts and souls of those who have lost loved ones in the line of duty. Wipe away the tears from their eyes. Soothe their pain and bind up their emotional wounds through the wounds of Your beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. In His name, and by His authority, I pray. Amen.

Please find Encouragement, Comfort, Support, and Hope from God's Word:

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
[Matthew 5:9 ESV];

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." [Psalm 23:4 ESV];

"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."
[John 15:13 ESV];

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." [Matthew 5:4 ESV];

"And he [Jesus] said to him, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." [Luke 23:43 ESV], and;

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." [John 3:16 ESV].

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NACM, NCCA
Ordained Independent NACM Minister
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
Member: Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers - USA

Captain Steven R. Closs (Retired)
Nashua NH Police Department (1974-1998)

June 25, 2025

While I may have never met Wayne, his lasting legacy is impact to all of us at the Division. You are not forgotten brother!

Patrol Officer Brian Fixler
Cleveland Division of Police

June 24, 2025

May God and St. Michael watch over you in Heaven Officer Leon. You are not forgotten.

Patrolman Kenneth Collins
South Amherst Police Department

June 28, 2024

NEVER FORGET! Honoring the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Police Officer Wayne A. Leon of the Cleveland Division of Police, Ohio and the additional 76 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer (Retired)
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

June 25, 2024

Officer Leon, you are not forgotten. Thank you for your sacrifice. You are still missed.

Patrolman Kenneth Collins
South Amherst Police Department

June 26, 2023

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Police Officer Wayne A. Leon of the Cleveland Division of Police, Ohio and the additional 77 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

June 25, 2023

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Police Officer Wayne A. Leon of the Cleveland Division of Police, Ohio and the additional 77 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

June 25, 2022

May God and St. Michael watch over you in Heaven, Brother.

Kenneth Collins

June 25, 2021

Jesus Christ, during His earthly ministry, proclaimed, “The greatest love you can show is to give your life for your friends.” [John 15:13 GW]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, D.Div, MSBS, NCCA
Ordained/Licensed Independent Christian Clergy
The Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
Merrimack, NH 03054

Captain Steven R. Closs (Ret.)
Nashua NH Police Department

March 5, 2021

By Grace Leon
6/25/20
It was 20 years ago that I kissed you goodbye for the last time as you headed off to work. A few hours later a got the knock on the door that changed everything. The moment I opened that door life as we knew it came to an end. Our children were so little. Justin was 5, Gabrielle was 4 and Nicholas was 2. I didn’t know how I was going to raise our children and get through life without you! I focused on the fulfilling the hopes and dreams we had talked about for our children. The children were raised in the home we planned on raising them in. They have great friends and great experiences from living in West Park. The children had a Catholic education. The boys went to St Ignatius, the school you so proudly attended. Gabrielle went to St Joseph Academy. You loved the beautiful grounds of that school and would comment on it when we passed by. They were always busy involved in sports and activities. The children have grown into amazing adults. There is so much of you in them and it makes me smile every day. You would be so proud of them! All three of them have graduated college. Justin loves that he wears your badge number for the Cleveland Fire Department. I’m told he’s a great firefighter. Gabrielle just received her Master’s degree in social work and passed her MSW licensure exam. She will be a school counselor beginning in August. Nicholas just received his Accounting degree from JCU. We made some amazing kids Wayne!!! Each of them are following in your footsteps in the service of others in their own way. We love and miss you so much, Wayne!! You are still so much a part of us. It’s been tough living this life without you. I will continue to pray to you and ask God for guidance as we navigate life without you. You are forever just a thought away.

Submitted by Chief (Ret.) Ron McBride

June 25, 2020

Officer Leon, you and your family are remembered today on this 20th anniversary of your end of watch. I used to see you on patrol when I volunteered in that area, and was concerned for you riding alone. I was heartbroken when my fears were realized. I've thought of your family often, and thought about how proud you'd be that your son became a firefighter in these recent years. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. Your family continues to be in my prayers.

Laura Bocian
Citizen

June 25, 2020

Please know that on this 20th "anniversary" of your untimely departure your memory, service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. Rest in peace always.

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

June 25, 2020

By Anna Hopkins | Fox News Jan. 12, 2019

Cleveland firefighter issued same badge number as his father, who was killed in the line of duty

Justin Leon was one of 19 cadets from the 34th Fire Training Academy Class who took the oath of office at in Cleveland, Ohio, on Friday.

His father, Wayne Leon, an officer with the Cleveland Police Department, was shot and killed in 2000 when Justin was just five years old.

Nineteen years later, Justin paid homage to his dad, being issued the same badge number his father wore, 1338, in a tear-jerking ceremony.

Justin's mother, Grace, stood by his side and was the one to actually pin his new badge bearing the same number as her late husband. Also present was Lt. Mike Norman, who worked alongside Justin's father and was one of the first responding officers when Wayne Leon was shot on June 25, 2000.

“To be 19 years later and to have his son come join us on the Cleveland fire department, his family being so dedicated to the citizens and visitors of Cleveland that they continued that service, I think it's really important, it says a lot about Justin and his family," Norman said.

Although Justin doesn't remember much about his father, he was so moved by his commitment to protecting the citizens of Cleveland that he decided to pursue the same path as he got older. "I've always wanted to do something to help people and I've wanted to do something with safety forces," Justin told FOX 8 News.

About his father, Justin said, "I've always been told that he was very generous and very helpful and he was always just wanting to do the right thing and that he was always the guy to call when someone needed help."

As he enters the line of duty, the significance of wearing his father's badge number isn't lost on Justin.

"It's almost just like the legacy kind of lives on in a way," he said.

Police Officer - Retired
NYPD

January 12, 2019

God Bless Ofc Leon's son who recently became a firefighter.

Sgt Pete Blanco III retired
Gary Police Dept, Gary, IN

January 12, 2019

Peace to Grace and her children. She had turned her tragedy into helping others. God Bless this family.

Ptrlmn Dwayne Smith & Linda Smith
CPD- Retired

June 27, 2018

I will never forget that day! He is my hero...

CPD Detective Jim Cudo #1705

June 25, 2018

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Westerville, Ohio Division of Police, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Police Officer Wayne A. Leon of the Cleveland Police Department, Ohio and the additional 74 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Chief Joe Morbitzer
Westerville, Ohio Division of Police

June 25, 2018

17 years ago, I remember the terrible news and watching with the rest of Cleveland...such a tragedy to take a vibrant life like Wayne Leon. And even then, I was so impressed and in awe of his widow, Grace. I always saw and read the news, heard stories and follow ups. But like so many, we go back to our busy lives and time goes by. I work in a retail setting and recently have been the cashier 'ringing out' Grace Leon. I recognized the name immediately but never mentioned it. Even without thinking of her history, I was again impressed. What an exceptional, lovely person. Her energy, enthusiasm, positive outlook, kindness is so welcome and engaging. I can't imagine the pain and heartache she's gone through but her smile and kindness wears like a tribute to life's goodness. Thank you, Wayne Leon, and thank you to all the law enforcement personnel , and thank you to wives and families of patrolmen in Cleveland that keep us safe every day. We appreciate all that you do. Thoughts and prayers to the Leon Family... We may get sidetracked with life events but we have never forgotten you or your sacrifice.

Cleveland Citizen

May 11, 2017

CPD Police Officer Wayne Leon is the only one that deserved a second chance.

Citizen Patrick Skiver

August 3, 2016

I pray today for blood and blue that things go well in court today because we care about you. Never forgotten

Tom D.

August 2, 2016

I miss uour smile and laugh. I miss uou

Kim
Aunt

June 21, 2016

Forever....Missing you so much!!

Grace
Wife

May 12, 2016