Tribute for slain officer
Community prayer service fills pews at St. Rose
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GIRARD -- St. Rose Church was filled to capacity with family, friends and fellow officers of Girard police officer Justin Leo, whose life was honored Tuesday at a community prayer gathering.
About 100 law enforcement personnel from throughout the area filled the front pews of the church as each came forward to salute or make the sign of a cross in front of a large photo of Leo placed in the front of the church sanctuary.
Inside each program was a special card decorated by students at St. Rose School thanking Leo for his service and for being a hero.
Leo, 31, died late Saturday at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital after being shot at a home on Indiana Avenue in Girard when he and another officer were responding to a domestic violence call. The prayer service was held to help provide comfort and peace for those coming to terms with Leo's death, organizers said.
Msgr. John Zuraw, pastor of St. Rose, said in the past few days the community has come together in support for Leo's parents, David and Patricia Leo, who were seated in the front row of the church.
''Know in the last few days you have been the strength to this city,'' Zuraw said.
He said Justin Leo was ''a remarkable young man who truly made a difference and did the extraordinary.''
''Through his simple acts of kindness and his simple goodness was part of Justin's everyday life…He showed each and every one of us that good outweighs evil,'' Zuraw said.
''He saw the hungry, the thirsty, the sick, the lonely and the hurt. What Justin taught us in a mere 31 years is we cannot sit on our hands and do nothing. God used Justin to make a difference in the world,'' Zuraw said.
Zuraw and other pastors who took part in the event encouraged everyone to care a little more, give a little more and do little acts of kindness ''which can make a difference in this world.''
When talking to Pat and David Leo, Zuraw said he heard many stories of what Leo had done and also learned David Leo gave his son advice that included make good choices in life, brush your teeth and be safe.
Applause was given to all the safety forces in attendance.
Pastor Diane Fonderlin of Girard First Christian Church said it is a very difficult time to lose someone so young. She and other pastor noted the many stories family and friends will always have about Leo.
Youngstown police officers Jeff Kay, Darkela Parker and Jeff Savnik sat in the front row and said they and the others were there to pay their respects to Leo and show support to his family
The event was concluded with the singing of ''America the Beautiful.''
Services changed
• A funeral for Girard police officer Justin Leo is 1 p.m. Sunday at Youngstown State University's Beeghly Center, 224 W. Spring St, Youngstown, according to Blackstone Funeral Home.
• Public calling hours are 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday at the Covelli Centre, 229 E. Front St., Youngstown.
• Justin Leo will be laid to rest at Tod Homestead Cemetery.