Patrolman Leo Bajerski, Lancaster Police Department, New York

Patrolman Leo Bajerski

Lancaster Police Department, New York

End of Watch Tuesday, October 31, 1933

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Leo Bajerski

Patrolman Leo Bajerski succumbed to a gunshot wound when he was shot while attempting to repossess a car at a garage on Transit Road in Depew at 6 pm.

He had gone to a garage, at the intersection of Transit Road and West Terrace Boulevard in Depew, with several other officers to enforce the court order. The owner of the shop told the officers he would get the keys from his office. While the officers were waiting, the owner fired one round from a shotgun, striking Patrolman Bajerski in the head. The man committed suicide after exchanging shots with other officers.

Patrolman Bajerski was transported to the hospital, where he died from his wound the next day.

Patrolman Bajerski was a United States Army World War I veteran and had served with the Lancaster Police Department for almost two years. He was survived by his wife, two young children, father, mother, three brothers, and three sisters.

Bio

Age 34
Tour 1 year, 11 months
Badge 2
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Incident Date Monday, October 30, 1933
Weapon Shotgun
Offender Committed suicide

civil papers

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Most Recent Reflection

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Dear Grandpa,
Today is December 23, 2025--only two days until Christmas.
When we were stationed in Germany, I learned how to say Merry Christmas in Deutsch:
Ich wünschen sie eine frohe Weinachten.
It dawned on me that I don't know how to say it in Polish. If I were living in WNY, on Christmas Eve we would celebrate Weigelia, we would pass around ah-pwot-key--wishing health and wellness from the eldest to the youngest, and we would eat pierogi and cha-nee-nah. I used to be able to spell those words, but I can still pronounce them. I just can't cook them--nothing authentic is available in NC.
I thrive on memories.

Your son, Richard, had memories that he shared with us. He was only nine when you were killed. He had a "life-time" of memories with you.
Grandpa--I bet you had a great singing voice and I could have danced a Polka with you. I remember stepping on my dad's shoes as we danced to music at family gatherings. I still remember some of the Polish Christmas carols.
We'll have a family reunion when we all meet in heaven.
Until then, I love you.
Watch over us.
Watch over your brothers and sisters in law enforcement and those serving our country.
Love,
Audrey

Audrey Bajerski Houser
Granddaughter

December 23, 2025