Antonio Unveils Wayne Leon Memorial Highway

Today, Senate Minority Leader Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood), members of Cleveland City Council, members of Cleveland’s law enforcement community and Saint Ignatius High School hosted a highway naming ceremony in memory of Officer Wayne Leon. Tragically, on June 25, 2000, Officer Leon was shot and killed during a traffic stop.

“Today’s naming ceremony of the Officer Wayne A. Leon Memorial Highway honors the memory of a true public servant to the City of Cleveland,” said Antonio. “Thank you to Grace Leon and her family, St. Ignatius High School and the Cleveland Police Department for the joint effort as we honor Officer Leon’s heroic service and sacrifice.”

Wayne Allen Leon, an alumnus of Saint Ignatius High School’s class of 1986, was appointed to the Cleveland Police Department in the 110th Academy Class in February 1994 and graduated in June of that same year, assigned to the Third District basic patrol. Wayne received many commendations from the community for his dedication. In 1998, he was awarded the Cleveland Police Department's highest award, the Medal of Honor, for his devotion to the city he so diligently served. 

“The dedication of this roadway in honor of Cleveland Patrolman Wayne A. Leon is a forever remembrance of a great man, his loss has been palpable for over two decades,” said Cleveland Police Chief Wayne Drummond. “The proximity of the marker and connection to Wayne’s beloved alma mater, St. Ignatius, make this event ever more special. I want to thank Grace, Justin, Gabrielle and Nick for allowing all of us to be a part of this momentous day, as well as Senator Nickie J. Antonio and St. Ignatius High School for making this all possible.”

Officer Leon’s memory is kept alive by his wife, Grace, and their children Justin, Gabrielle and Nicholas Leon. The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force was created in his memory, as well as the Cleveland Heroes Run and many scholarships. Every year on June 25, Officer Leon’s legacy carries on with Random Acts of Law Enforcement Kindness Day, during which local police carry out kind acts in their communities.

"Saint Ignatius High School was honored to host the dedication ceremony of the Wayne A. Leon Memorial Highway," said Fr. Ray Guaio, S.J. '82, President of Saint Ignatius High School. "We honor the service and sacrifice of Wayne and are proud this fitting tribute starts here at W.30th and Lorain in front of the school that he was so proud to be an alumnus of and that his widow Grace chose to entrust their two sons, Justin and Nicholas, to for their high school education. The memory of Wayne lives on here at Saint Ignatius annually with the awarding of the Wayne A. Leon '86 Scholarship, which is given to the son of a safety forces member in Northeast Ohio."

In attendance at the ceremony were Cleveland City Councilman Kerry McCormack, Police Chief Wayne Drummond, Officer Leon’s wife, Grace Leon, distinguished guests and Cleveland area law enforcement members. 

Senator Antonio was the primary sponsor of Senate Bill 255 designating the Officer Wayne A. Leon Memorial Highway. The bill was included as an amendment in House Bill 578 and signed by the governor on January 5, 2023.