Bernard F. Leonard.
Deputy Bernard Leonard was shot and killed while he and a posse attempted to arrest a man wanted for kidnapping another officer and for robbery in Oklahoma and Colorado. The posse surrounded a home the suspect was in and ordered everyone out. Several women and children came out, but the suspect refused. As Deputy Leonard rushed towards the door, the suspect opened fire with two .38 caliber revolvers, fatally wounding Deputy Leonard. The rest of the posse opened fire, shooting the suspect seven times. Both the suspect and Deputy Leonard succumbed to their wounds later that evening. Deputy Leonard was a Spanish American War veteran. He had served in several law enforcement capacities in New Mexico for 24 years.
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In tribute
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Deputy Sheriff Leonard gave the Chaves County Sheriff's Department 24 years.
Thank you for your service to the Roswell community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
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