Cedar Park cop dies in training wreck

CEDAR PARK, Texas (KXAN) - Cedar Park police officer Leonard Reed, 41, died Wednesday night at St. David's Round Rock Medical Center following a training exercise including a motorcycle.

Cedar Park police said Reed was participating in a training course with a motorcycle training officer when the accident happened in the 1200 block of Arrow Point Drive near East Whitestone Boulevard around 3:18 p.m. Wednesday, about a mile from Cedar Park police headquarters . Reed was preparing to take the Police Motorcycle Officer Certification Course.

Police said Reed sustained severe internal injuries after he was thrown from his motorcycle in a one-vehicle collision. Emergency responders performed CPR at the scene before he was taken to the trauma center.

Emergency officials rushed Reed to emergency surgery at the hospital, but he later died in the Intensive Care Unit from internal injuries to his heart and lungs.

Police Chief Henry Fluck said Reed recently transferred to the motorcycle division and was in his second week of training.

"This man continually went out with a passion for helping the community, enforcing the law, bringing in wrong-doers to justice," said Fluck. "He went the extra mile all the time."

Reed was a highly decorated, four-year veteran of the force. In 2008, Reed was chosen Cedar Park Officer of the Year.

The officer leaves his 37-year-old wife, Cynthia, and their two sons.

Austin Police Department Chief Art Acevedo reached out to the Cedar Park Police Department and offered his condolences:

"On behalf of all the men and women of the Austin Police Department, we extend our deepest condolences to the Cedar Park Police Department and the family of Officer Leonard Reed during this difficulty time. APD and the City of Austin have personally extended all of our resources as needed."

A memorial fund has been set up for Reed’s family at Frost Bank:

10915 Pecan Park Blvd.
Austin, Texas 78750

Those wishing to make donations can contact the bank directly at (512) 473-4309.

In addition, the 100 Club of Central Texas is also taking donations for the family.

“As we do whenever a first responder in our five-county area dies, we will give his family a check for $10,000,” said Club Executive Vice President Ginger MacMacking. “In 30 days, we will be meeting with the family to assess their other needs.”

Founded in 1983, the volunteer organization was created to provide support to first responders and their families when tragedy strikes.

Contributions from the public may be made by visiting the club’s website or by calling (512) 345-3200.

Funeral arrangements are pending.