Officer Leonard Allen Reed
Leonard attended school in Austin and on August 15, 1990 he joined the U.S. Navy and was stationed in Norfolk, VA on the U.S.S. Dwight D. Eisenhower. During his military duty, his unit was called to serve in the Gulf War. Prior to his discharge on August 14, 1994, he received numerous awards, medals and decorations.
In October 1993 while stationed in Virginia, he fell in love and married his wife, Cynthia, on February 14, 1994.
Upon discharge, he returned home to Austin where he worked at various companies, like LCRA and other security positions, which prepared him for his dream job of becoming a Peace Officer. After successfully completing peace officer training with CAPCOG in March 2006, he worked briefly with AISD.
On August 24, 2006, Leonard was sworn in as a Cedar Park Police Officer. While working with Cedar Park Police Department, Leonard quickly made an impact on his fellow officers and the community. He was a Patrol Officer until August 2007; he then became a School Resource Officer at Vista Ridge High School for the 2007-2008 school years. Leonard made a strong impression on all of the students while working at Vista Ridge High School.
Comments from Students at Vista Ridge High School
Papa, you were one of the greatest people I know! You kept me out of what you would call 'crap'! I will never in my life forget the day you passed!
Reed, you told me to do my own thing N to stay outta trouble. You cared N that meant a lot. Thank you for not givin up on me. U will NVR B forgotten.
You did so much for me and i wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t 4 U
In 2008, Leonard was voted Officer of the Year by his peers, and received several awards from the department and the community. After the 2008 school year, Leonard returned to patrol and became a Field Training Officer with the department. In July of 2010, Leonard joined the motors division of the department, were he served until the day of his passing.
Leonard touched the lives of all with whom he met and he achieved everything he focused on. Leonard was a very loving, understanding, and God fearing man, whose impact on the community cannot be put into words.
Comments from fellow officers
He performed his duties with a happy heart — always cheerful,. But he was also a highly effective police officer. He got the job done and he was the exemplary type of role model in professionalism and courteous service that we’re seeking here in the Cedar Park Police Department.
Cedar Park Police Chief Henry Fluck
If a student called and needed him, he would still mentor them and give them advice and, depending on the situation, help out if he could. He extended himself beyond his normal hours and duties and if he saw a need and could help, he would do it without ever thinking twice. All the students knew that he would help them, and it was the same with his fellow officers.
Fellow police officer, David Comancho
