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Incident
Officer John Anderson succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained six weeks earlier when he and another officer responded to a suicidal person's call. A female had called the police department and stated her boyfriend was going to kill her and then commit suicide. Officer Anderson arrived on the scene and was shot through the door as the officers knocked on it. The suspect was apprehended after a gunfight with officers. The suspect, 27, was sent to prison. On April 3, 1975, he was charged with aiding and abetting in another inmates escape. The inmate was serving a life term for the murder of Trooper Steven DeVries on October 12, 1972. Officer Anderson had served with the Wayne Police Department for 5 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Anderson gave the Wayne Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Wayne community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Anderson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Leonard is the only officer of Wayne Police Department remembered here.
Leonard is one of 415 officers killed feloniously in MI, 59% of the 703 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, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1974, 13 officers in MI were killed feloniously, the 3rd heaviest of 124 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 14.
In 1974, 162 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 22nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1974, 178 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 22nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Leonard was 23. Of the 400 killed feloniously in MI whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 42; the middle age was 35. Leonard had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Leonard was 23. 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 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Leonard was 23. 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 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
May holds 8.9% of these deaths in MI; December holds the most, 12.3%. Saturdays: 14.9%.
May holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
May holds 8.5% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Wayne Police Department. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 59% of all 703 deaths in MI, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 7% 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 shotgun, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 22-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
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