Prev
Incident
Night Police Chief Leonard Sizemore was shot and killed by an intoxicated man he was attempting to arrest at 2:00 am.
Neighbors complained about noise at a local speakeasy on East Oak Street. When Chief Sizemore arrived, an argument ensued between him and the owner. When he tried to arrest the owner, the man shot him in the head, and all patrons ran from the building. Chief Sizemore's body was found an hour later.
When officers attempted to arrest the suspect, the man shot and wounded a deputy sheriff. The suspect was shot and killed in return fire.
Night Police Chief had served with the Carbondale Police Department for 10 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, daughter, granddaughter, two sisters, and a brother.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtnjh11t1mk273578b482- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Leonard. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Night Police Chief Sizemore gave the Carbondale Police Department 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Carbondale community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Night Police Chief Sizemore.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Leonard is the only officer of Carbondale Police Department remembered here.
Leonard is one of 842 officers killed feloniously in IL, 63.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
Leonard is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Leonard is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1933, 19 officers in IL were killed feloniously, the 6th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1924, with 22.
In 1933, 184 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 15th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1933, 186 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 18th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Leonard was 54. Of the 762 killed feloniously in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 45; the middle age was 38. Leonard had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Leonard was 54. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Leonard had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Leonard was 54. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Leonard had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 9.4% of these deaths in IL; July holds the most, 10.3%. Sundays: 15.2%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Carbondale Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.9% of all 1,318 deaths in IL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 28.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 45-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Carbondale Police Department are honored on badge.nw.