[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 85 (Thursday, June 29, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1152-E1153]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               CLEVELAND POLICE OFFICER WAYNE ALLAN LEON

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 28, 2000

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, today I honor the memory of Cleveland 
Police Officer Wayne Allan Leon, badge number 1338. Officer Leon was 
tragically killed in the line of duty on Sunday, June 25. He was just 
32 years old.
  Wayne Allen Leon was appointed to the Cleveland Police Department in 
the 110th Academy Class, February 1, 1994. He graduated from the police 
academy on June 9, 1994, and was assigned to the Third District, basic 
patrol. He soon distinguished himself as a police officer, going well 
beyond the call of duty to serve the public, in ways that were 
recognized by his peers and superiors. As an officer of the law, he 
dedicated his life to serve and protect the citizens of the state of 
Ohio and of this great nation. Quick with a smile, earnest, honest, 
sincere and extremely dedicated are but a few of the qualities that 
distinguished Officer Leon. He held his office with great 
professionalism, bravery and dignity, earning the respect and love of 
his colleagues

[[Page E1153]]

and the community he served. He was awarded the Department's highest 
award--the Medal of Honor--after he and his former partner broke up a 
drug buy on November 1, 1998. The community mourns the death of a great 
role model.
  As a committed man of faith and family, Officer Leon will be greatly 
missed by his wife Grace, their children Justin, age 5, Gabrielle, age 
4, and Nicholas, age 2. His father, retired Cleveland Police Lieutenant 
Duane ``Jake'' Leon, brothers Dean, Tony, and Jake, and his parents-in-
law Sam and Maryann Scampitilla, also survive him. I take this 
opportunity to express my deepest condolences to the family.
  It is a terrible tragedy when a police officer falls in the line of 
duty protecting the public and serving his or her country. Officer 
Wayne Leon exemplified the very best police departments have to offer. 
He will be missed by all.
  I ask the House to join me in commemorating this model public servant 
and dedicated family man. The State of Ohio and the Nation owe him a 
great debt of gratitude. My fellow colleagues, please join me in 
honoring Officer Wayne Allen Leon.

                          ____________________