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High Point Detective Ken Leonard’s sacrifice has earned him recognition from the federal government and DynCorp International.

Leonard worked with DynCorp in 2004-05, training Iraqi police officers. In December 2005, Leonard lost both his legs below the knee in a roadside bomb explosion.

Leonard worked for the company on its International Civilian Police Program contract with the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs. In Iraq, he was part of the Civilian Police Advisory Training Team, the component of the Multinational Security Transition Command responsible for U.S.-led effort to train and equip the 135,000-member Iraqi police service.

After intensive physical therapy and training, Leonard recovered and regained employment with the High Point Police Department, passing the department’s agility course.

At a ceremony Feb. 17, Leonard received DynCorp International’s President’s Valor Award, the company’s highest honor, which has only been awarded 11 other times. He also received recognition from the U.S. Department of Defense, Congress and the U.S. Department of State.

“Ken Leonard, through his commitment to building the rule of law in Iraq, through his heroism and service in the most difficult circumstances, is an outstanding example of what is in the DNA of every DynCorp International employee,” said William Ballhaus, DynCorp International president and CEO. “Our police trainers and advisors continue to serve with courage and dedication in often dangerous environments around the globe.”

“It was an honor I didn’t expect,” Leonard said. “There’s a lot of guys, contractors, over there who do a lot of dangerous work. It’s nice that they are getting recognition.”

Sen. Richard Burr also sent congratulatory comments to the police officer. His deputy staff director, Brooks Tucker, read a letter from Burr at the ceremony: “The fabric of our American society and the communities that comprise it are made strong by noble men like you who unflinchingly answer the call to serve their fellow man and protect life and property. Your commitment to those values spurred you to leave your families and your communities to provide the benefit of your skills and experience to the Iraqi police in their time of national crisis and conflict.”

William McGlynn presented Leonard with a certificate of appreciation on behalf of the State Department.

“If it were up to me, there would probably be about 8,000 people up here with me because that’s pretty much the support that I had over the years,” Leonard said at the ceremony. “Everybody, every step of the way, I wouldn’t be here without them.”

Contact E.A. Seagraves at 883-4422, Ext. 241, or elizabeth.seagraves@news-record.com