By Rodney L. Sherman
Staff writer
Former Clarion Borough Police Officer Leland L. Rupert was laid to rest May 2 and the members of the department escorted the former officer from the Clarion Methodist Church to Clarion Cemetery.
“Today, (May 2) we paid our final respects to Officer Leland L. Rupert of the Clarion Borough Police Department with a funeral procession through Downtown Clarion,” said Police Chief William H. Peck IV. “Officer Rupert was a 30-year veteran of the Clarion Borough Police Department and retired in 1992.”
Rupert, 84, of Clarion, passed away on April 28.
“Three current members of the department worked a short time with Officer Rupert, and we still have memories and stories we share with each other today,” said Peck.
Rupert was drafted into the United States Army during the Korean War conflict. He was a graduate of the Pennsylvania State Police Academy.
Rupert was certified as a firearms instructor, among one of his many law enforcement achievements. During his tenure in Clarion he attained the rank of lieutenant.
“On behalf of Clarion Borough and the Clarion Borough Police Department, we thank Officer Rupert and his family for his service, commitment, and protection the citizens of Clarion Borough for 30 years,” said Peck. “The Borough of Clarion would also thank the Pennsylvania State Police Clarion, Clarion University Police, and Clarion County Sheriff’s Department for their assistance in the procession as the well-earned respect shown to Officer Rupert and his family.”