LEONARD C. MILLER BRIDGE

January 3, 2005, marks the 25th Anniversary when Apollo Patrolman Leonard C. Miller was killed in the line of duty and sacrificed his life for the community. Approved by the Pennsylvania General Assembly, the newly constructed Apollo Bridge will be dedicated officially in his honor as the Leonard C. Miller Bridge.

It is fitting and proper that this honor is given to the young police officer who had a passion for life, people and his community.

Leonard C. Miller was a friend and colleague in public service and the life of this young man – who died at the age of 21 -- seems just like yesterday to me.

The Apollo Council Public Safety Committee, of which I was chairman in 1977, hired Leonard Miller as a young recruit, who was a candidate for the Indiana University of Pennsylvania Police Academy. The committee knew Patrolman Miller had a strong desire to serve, and we recognized his unlimited potential to be successful in the field of law enforcement.

Patrolman James D. Clawson, Leonard’s best friend and partner in law enforcement, entered the Municipal Education and Training Act 120 certification program together and successfully completed all requirements for graduation. I recall the enthusiasm of these young officers, as they met the academic rigor and physical demands of the training academy. Jim Clawson, inspired by the life of Leonard Miller, ultimately served his community with the same dedication and devotion to duty for 27 years, including tenure as Chief of Police.

Leonard Miller, who was genuine by nature with a genial personality, had an exceptionally good rapport with young people, especially troubled youth. Equally important, Leonard worked to earn the respect of the community people whom he served.

Although well-versed in the law, Patrolman Miller really had something greater to offer: Leonard Miller listened to people intently, talked with people about their problems, and resolved matters without ever writing a citation. However, when the situation demanded it, Patrolman Miller took the necessary corrective action and acted accordingly.

By 1978, when I was mayor of the community, Leonard Miller had earned the confidence of officials to be considered as a full-time police officer. The mayor and borough council fully embraced the police department with an unwavering commitment to provide expanded police protection, and Leonard was an integral part of the improvement plan.

Mark Fetterman, chairman of the Council Public Safety Committee, worked tirelessly to secure federal funding to support a third full-time police position, which Leonard would eventually be named. Borough officials waited patiently for funding, and learned that soon after October, 1979, funding was available for Patrolman Miller to begin his full-time tour of duty.

The collective efforts of borough officials and police department personnel set the stage for much success. Increased police patrols, adequate police equipment and improved administration with an emphasis on continuing education and training for all officers were among the priorities for the Apollo Borough Police Department. Leonard Miller’s professional demeanor and youthfulness were key to that success and lives yet today in my heart.

Twenty-five years ago on January 3, 1980, I knelt at Leonard Miller’s side as he lay dying face-down next to his patrol car on Highway 66 south, just across the Apollo Bridge in Westmoreland County. My personal visit with his parents to report the circumstances surrounding his death and the emotions of that time will remain with me forever.

Only those who knew Leonard personally can fully appreciate the qualities of this fine human being. I will never forget Leonard C. Miller and will always respect the men and women in law enforcement, especially those who have the same values and characteristics as Patrolman Miller. Today, the new generation is represented by another young police officer who is genuine by nature, Apollo Patrolman Jason Gurski. Patrolman Gurski, who has an exceptionally good rapport with the people of our community, serves with the same dedication and devotion to duty as Patrolman Miller. His affable personality and professional profile reflect that of Leonard C. Miller, and the community is fortunate to have someone with similar attributes and qualities in a police officer.

It is my hope that the life of Leonard C. Miller will be an inspiration and a bridge to the new generation of law enforcement officers so that each serves the public with an understanding of the past and an abiding faith in the future.

Submitted by:
Dr. William H. Kerr

Dr. William H. Kerr is a former mayor of Apollo Borough and was associated with the Rainbow Emergency Management System, Inc. for twenty years.

November 27, 2004