Fundraiser to provide support for fallen Deputy Leonard’s family
MEIGS COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Police Benevolent Foundation is asking for the public’s assistance in supporting the family of a Meigs County deputy who recently died in the line of duty, Deputy Robert John “R.J.” Leonard, Jr.
Of the funds raised by the PBF, 100% will go to Deputy Leonard’s family.
Meigs County Deputy Robert “R.J.” Leonard / Decatur Funeral Home
He is survived by his wife Christa Leonard and their children, Zachary, Evan, Kailynn, Aubrey and Isabelle. He is also survived by his mother, two siblings, nieces and nephews, and other extended family and friends.
Deputy Leonard went missing on February 14 after responding to a call just before 10 p.m. about a man and woman fighting on a bridge. The bridge was over the Tennessee River near Birchwood.
Three minutes after responding, Leonard said he was taking the woman into custody. He said he was transporting her to the Meigs County Jail.
But 12 minutes after that, authorities said they received an incomplete radio transmission from the deputy.
Investigators looked more closely into the transmission and believe he said “water.”
Authorities say the area Deputy Leonard was in is very isolated and rural. PBF says this makes cellphone reception and radio transmissions difficult at times.
The sheriff’s office was unable to make contact with Deputy Leonard and initiated a search. They used cellphone and tracking data from Life 360, which led them to the Blythe Ferry boat ramp. Officials say vehicles have rolled into the water at this location on several occasions.
On February 15, authorities found Leonard’s patrol car upside down in the Tennessee River. A female was in the backseat of the car. They say the driver’s side window was rolled down, but Leonard’s body was not in the car.
The district attorney identified the female body as Tabitha Smith.
Law enforcement found his body shortly thereafter in the Tennessee River.
PBF says Leonard had only been with the Meigs County Sheriff’s Office for a little over two months.
A visitation for Deputy Leonard is taking place on Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Meigs County High School. The funeral service will take place at 7 p.m.
His funeral procession will take place Tuesday, February 20, beginning at 12:15 p.m. He will be buried in the Decatur Cemetery at 1 p.m.
PBF says they “provide financial support for the families of fallen law enforcement officers whose deaths occur in the line of duty.” They also fund scholarships for children.
