[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 171 (Tuesday, October 24, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1418]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF OFFICER JUSTIN A. LEO

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TIM RYAN

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 24, 2017

  Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the life of 
Officer Justin A. Leo, 31, of Girard, who passed away on Saturday, 
October 21, 2017, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Youngstown, Ohio, 
following an injury sustained in the line of duty. Officer Leo, a five-
year-veteran of the Girard Police Department, was responding to a 
domestic dispute call when he was fatally ambushed by the suspect, who 
was then shot and killed by Leo's partner.
  Justin was born January 9, 1986, in Youngstown, Ohio, to David and 
Patricia (Carson) Leo. He was a 2004 graduate of Girard High School and 
had attended the University of Toledo and Youngstown State University 
before graduating from the YSU Police Academy in June 2009. Justin 
worked for the Mahoning County Sheriff's Department and the Vienna 
Police Department prior to his appointment to the Girard Police 
Department on July 6, 2012.
  Justin was a member of the Girard High School State Champion Cross 
Country Team in 2000, the Girard F.O.P. Lodge No. 52, the Girard Alumni 
Association, and St. Rose Church. Outside of work, Justin loved golfing 
with his dad and his old friends from the senior tees. He also umpired 
for the Girard baseball leagues and coached in the 4-6 youth basketball 
league.
  Justin will always be remembered by his parents of Girard; his aunt, 
Denise Mitchell of Girard; his great-uncle, John (Mimi) Baglier of 
Canfield; great-aunts, Edith Paz of Sun City Center, Florida and 
Josephine Berezo, of Parkland, Florida and many cousins. He is preceded 
in death by his grandparents, Jennie Ellen Leo and John and Lila Carson 
and his uncle, Donald Leo.
  Public calling hours will be held on Saturday, October 28, from 2:00 
to 6:00 p.m. at the gymnasium. A funeral mass will be held on Sunday, 
October 29, 2:00 p.m. at Girard High School gymnasium, officiated by 
the Rev. Msgr. John Zuraw. Justin will be laid to rest at Tod Homestead 
Cemetery, following a private committal service.
  My heart breaks for Officer Leo's family and friends in this tragedy. 
They have not only my thoughts and prayers, but the prayers of a 
community grateful for his selfless service. I extend my deepest 
condolences.

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