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June 3, 2012

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Metro corrections officer remembered for his love of family

Daniel Leach died last weekend in a two-vehicle crash near Searchlight

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Sam Morris / Las Vegas Sun

Father Bob Stoeckig holds a Bible before a reading from the gospels during funeral services for Metro officer Dan Leach Saturday, Nov. 28, 2009, at the Shrine of the Most Holy Redeemer Church. Leach, of Boulder City, was driving a prisoner transport van Nov. 21 when his vehicle collided with a semi-truck near Searchlight.

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Published Saturday, Nov. 28, 2009 | 10:08 a.m.

Updated Saturday, Nov. 28, 2009 | 5:17 p.m.

Funeral for Officer Daniel Leach

Memorial cards rest on a table during funeral services for Metro officer Dan Leach Saturday, Nov. 28, 2009, at the Shrine of the Most Holy Redeemer church. Leach, of Boulder City, was driving a prisoner transport van Nov. 21 when his vehicle collided with a semi-truck near Searchlight. Launch slideshow »
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Daniel Leach

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Friends and family paid respects to Corrections Officer Daniel Leach on Saturday before sharing memories about the 25-year Metro Police veteran.

Leach, who died a week earlier in a two-vehicle crash near Searchlight, was described as a caring family man who was full of love – and who also had a love of bologna sandwiches.

“Dan was a diplomat,” said Metro Officer Jimmy Carter. “He could solve anything with a bologna sandwich and carton of milk.”

Leach did volunteer work as a youth basketball and tee-ball coach. During funeral services at Shrine of the Most Holy Redeemer, 55 E. Reno, in Las Vegas, Carter said Leach loved sports and would often quiz him about his knowledge of football.

Carter laughed as he recalled refereeing a Boulder City High School football game while Leach was sitting in the stands. He said Leach was passionate about the game, jumping out of his seat and objecting to several calls.

But Leach would sit quietly when he realized he knew the referee, although that lasted for about five minutes, Carter said.

The last words Carter spoke to Leach were “Jim, take care, and take care of the kids.”

Leach, 49, was killed Nov. 21 in a crash on U.S. 95 near Searchlight while driving a prisoner transport vehicle from the Clark County Detention Center to the Tucker Holding Facility in Laughlin. Police said Leach’s vehicle collided with the second of two trailers on a semi-truck as the truck pulled out from a side street while making a left turn to go northbound on the divided highway.

Clark County Sheriff Doug Gillespie, who was speaking at his second funeral for a Metro officer in four days, noted the recent deaths within his department. He said Metro Police are dealing with the grief through the strength and courage of the victims’ families.

“At Metro we have a lot of special people working here,” Gillespie said. “We’re here to say goodbye to one of those special people.

“His absence will have a tremendous effect,” Gillespie said.

Leach’s brother, James, said Daniel Leach rarely had to chase down a suspect because people usually flocked to him.

James Leach took out his cell phone and dialed a number. He placed the phone next to the microphone as the call went to Daniel Leach’s voicemail message. He described his brother as a kind man who quickly returned phone calls.

“We’re here for you and you’re on your way to heaven,” James Leach said.

Internment was held after early services at the Boulder City Cemetery, 510 Adams Blvd.

Metro Police officers, along with Henderson and Boulder City officers, assisted with the internment, while “Amazing Grace” was played on bagpipes. Two trumpeters performed taps.

Five U.S. flags were presented to the family to honor Leach’s service.

Before the internment ended, five helicopters flew over the cemetery, then one flew away from the others. Officers turned on their radios as a voice paid tribute to Leach by announcing his final sign off.

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