Apollo Patrolman Killed in Action Fondly Remembered

by Jonathan Weaver

For 35 years, Alle-Kiski Valley residents have mourned the death of Leonard C. Miller – the Apollo Borough patrolman not only described as community-motivated, but also as a friend to all.

Captain Steve Ignatz of the Pennsylvania State Police saw Officer Miller routinely while monitoring the Rainbow Control Emergency Center in the late 1970’s before Miller was promoted to full-time.

“When people think of Leonard Miller, they think of Apollo. To me, he was Apollo,” Captain Ignatz said. “He was bigger than life and quite a character.

“He was what a police officer was expected to be, but so rarely occurred – honest, humble, caring, personable, committed and professional. When he proudly wore that uniform, the people of Apollo were being well-cared for.

Leonard loved people, life and his job – and truly there’s no better way for a public servant to be remembered.”

Officer Miller was fatally shot twice in the early morning of January 3, 1980 in Oklahoma Borough across the Armstrong/Westmoreland County line, the last of the four victims during the “Kill for Thrill” murders at the hands of John Lesko and Michael Travaglia – two men Captain Ignatz referred to as “monsters” during his keynote address.

More than 150 community representatives – including many elected officials from Apollo Borough and Armstrong County, State troopers and local police officers and the first emergency responders and officials that responded to the deadly scene - joined together in the Apollo-Ridge High School auditorium to celebrate Miller’s goodwill and service during Miller’s “Celebration of Life” ceremony.

Former Apollo Mayor Dr. William Kerr was Chairman of the Apollo Borough Public Safety Council when Miller – who was born in Brownstown, Kiskiminetas Township - graduated from Apollo-Ridge High School in 1977. Kerr remembered Miller as “a young, vibrant recruit” with a strong desire to serve with “unlimited potential to be successful in the field of law enforcement.”

“Leonard Miller was absolutely genuine by nature – he had this congenial personality and had an exceptionally good rapport with young people, especially troubled youth. Leonard worked to earn the respect of the community,” Kerr said.

Kerr , who also gave the eulogy at Miller’s funeral before family members and hundreds of police officers from across the state, recalled Miller listened and talked with residents, and was an integral part of the improvement plan to provide full-time protective services.

Miller – who also worked part-time for Vandergrift Police prior - patrolled the municipality 24 months before he was promoted to full-time status. He only worked as badge #78 for three days.

Tom Coulter was working his first shift at the Greensburg State Police barracks the morning Miller was shot. He sat among the many active and retired officers in the front rows last night.

“It was pretty traumatic,” Coulter said.

Described by many as a model citizen due to his community involvement, heart for public service and volunteerism, the anniversary of the then-21-year-old Miller’s death should have been received with both sadness and celebration, Armstrong County District Attorney (and Master of Ceremonies) Scott Andreassi said.

The Leonard C. Miller Home of Adelphoi Village in Apollo established in his honor serves troubled youths, encouraging positive behavior and providing a second chance in life.

Adelphoi Village Leonard C. Miller Home Resident “Jedell” has only been a resident for five months, but said his life has already changed due to the counseling available

“In my opinion, Officer Miller’s one of the bravest men I’ve ever learned about,” “Jedell” said. “Before I came to the Miller Home, I was filled with anger, regrets, disappointment and guilt, but while I’ve been here, I’ve gained joy, self-respect and a higher self-esteem. I learned how to be a terrific leader.

“If it weren’t for the service of Leonard C. Miller, I would never experience this group home or receive the appropriate treatment I needed.”

Adelphoi Village Director Amy Overly never met Miller, but heard many stories about his community dedication and his whimsical sense of humor and said community service projects are done in Miller’s honor.

“However, the most important thing I’ve learned about Leonard Miller is the way in which his death brought together a community – not only the Borough of Apollo, but the entire Alle-Kiski region,” Overly said. “I think he would be proud of the work being done with the kids we serve and the work the kids are doing.”

Since 1981, an Apollo-Ridge graduate has been awarded a scholarship in Miller’s honor so that they could go on to study law enforcement.

Lenape Tech Law Enforcement Information Technology Senior Nolan Cox said a framed photograph of Miller hangs in their classroom as inspiration.

“Any visitors we have in our room, we mention that that is there. He was killed in the line of duty, but he served his community well,” Cox, a sergeant within the shop class.

Current Apollo Mayor Jeff Held said law enforcement procedures and technology have evolved since Miller’s death, helping police units work cohesively and safely.

“Police are now trained to realize that there’s no such thing as a routine traffic stop,” Mayor Held said. “Officer Miller may have left behind his brothers in blue, his friends, family and community, but his legacy does live on.”

Apollo Borough Police Officer Ron Baustert believes Miller watches over current police officers – including while he and two other officers were involved in a police shooting in September about 200 yards away from where Miller was killed in the line of duty.

Retired Apollo Police Chiefs James Clawson and Robin Davis also presented at the ceremony.

The Rev. Dr. Phillip Ramstad, of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Apollo, began his invocation by thanking those who take risks in law enforcement – especially Miller.

Following the ceremony, refreshments were available in the high school cafeteria.

Apollo Area Lions Secretary Pat Pastorek and other members served the refreshments – which were donated by a local supermarket and resident. (Pastorek’s sister, MaryJane (Goedicke) Hetrick, graduated from Apollo-Ridge with Miller.)

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  By fotrabla, January 16, 2015 @ 4:23 PM

  I’m glad to see the local media reporting on this. It is nice to see Leonard Miller being remembered. Imagine what wonderful things he might have done if his life would have been longer…

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