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Proceeds from softball tourney to go to family of slain Girard officer
By SAMANTHA PHILLIPS
GIRARD
Fourteen teams are signed up for a softball tournament today to raise money for a scholarship fund in honor of Girard officer Justin Leo, who was killed while answering a domestic call Oct. 21.
The Fallen Hero 324 Softball Tournament will be hosted by the Girard Baseball Association and Team Sanders Inc. at the Creekside Golf Dome at 1300 N. State St. from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Admission will be $5. Slots to play on the teams are filled.
There will be a 50/50 raffle, auction, cash bar and concessions at the tournament. The event is for people age 21 and over, and The Rage will provide live music.
All proceeds will go to the Leo family and provide funding for the scholarship it is starting in Justin’s honor.
David Leo, Justin’s father, gets choked up when he talks about the community’s support of his son. He said he hopes others can realize their dreams through the scholarship fund.
“It’s the kind of thing Justin stood for,” Leo said. “I’m so impressed with all these people who have reached out to us. I’m sure, like most of these events, there will be a lot of hugs and a lot of tears. People just continue to support us. We’re grateful for that.”
Leo said he and his wife have received hundreds of letters from the community.
For the Girard Baseball Association, the benefit is helping an old member of its team.
Justin Leo umpired for the organization some six years ago.
Rick Plant, president of the baseball association, said the last time he saw Justin was the day before he died. They were watching a Girard vs. Newton Falls baseball game together.
“Our conversation was about a player breaking records that night. We sat at the top of the bleachers and talked. That was my last encounter with him, but he always stopped at the park when games were going on and talked to me,” Plant said.
Justin genuinely cared about the community and attended many local sports events, Plant said.
“He had a great heart. He was genuine. There aren’t any bad things you could say about him,” Plant said.
At least 50 baskets will be raffled, including gifts such as a Challenge Coin set created by a New York Police Department officer.
Plant said communities across the region have rallied to help with the event.
Jim Flaherty Jr. of Girard will donate a Justin Leo memorial corn hole board he created as one of the auction prizes.
“It’s something I wanted to do to give back and show my support for Girard police and all first responders,” Flaherty said. “To know how close everybody in the community is and how they support everyone, it feels great.”