Leon Alexander Bernard.
Deputy Leon Bernard was shot and killed while following two armed robbery suspects. Deputy Bernard was an off-duty jailer when he observed the robbery of a Bartow Finance Company and began following the vehicle. The vehicle stopped near Lake Garfield, and the passenger confronted Deputy Bernard and shot him. The suspects, a man and his wife, both 37, and parents of six children, were arrested an hour later and charged with murder. The man was convicted of murder and sentenced to life. Deputy Bernard was a Canadian military veteran.
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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 Bernard served with the Polk County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Winter Haven 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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