In Memory of Police Officer Noah Ryan LeBlanc

Texas officials are saddened at the tremendous loss the state has faced since the start of the pandemic. Likewise, the residents of Laguna Vista are heartbroken over the news that the first police officer in their city has died in the line of duty from contracting the coronavirus. Police Officer Noah Ryan LeBlanc, badge number 903, passed away due to complications of the virus on Monday, September 13, 2021. LeBlanc had been a member of the Laguna Vista Police Department for about four years. He was 33 years old.

Health complications were facing Officer Ryan when he contracted COVID19. He had been diagnosed with cancer in 2019. In addition, he had been undergoing chemotherapy for his illness. Along with his family, the community held a vigil outside the hospital to pray for his recovery. However, both the virus and cancer proved too much, and LeBlanc succumbed to the illness.

Officer LeBlanc was known as a practical joker and loved to be called the ‘Meme King.’ After graduating high school in 2007, LeBlanc already knew that he wanted to become a police officer. He graduated from the police academy and joined the Laguna department. He loved his two children, and spending time with them was a priority in his life—also, a big priority, being an instrument of his faith in his work. LeBlanc was a member of the Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church.

Laguna Vista Police Department, Texas

LeBlanc was just at the start of what was a promising long career as a law enforcement officer. The Laguna Vista Police Department is a small agency with seven full-time and one part-time sworn officers.

Officers here are a tight-knit family providing services for a small community of approximately 3200 residents. The town has about 2.2 square miles within its limits. Officers with the Laguna Vista Police Department are also trained to cover the .12 miles of shoreline included in the town.

Remembrances

Police Officer Noah Ryan LeBlanc leaves behind his two children and parents. He has touched many lives in the Laguna Vista community. Friends, family, neighbors, residents, colleagues, and many more will come together to support the LeBlanc family during this difficult time.

Noah LeBlanc’s mother, Mary LeBlanc, shared some advice from her son. “’No matter what, he would say we just have to keep on fighting, you have to keep on fighting no matter what life hands you.”

The Laguna Vista Police Department Chief Tony David posted details of the loss of Officer LeBlanc and expressed his deep grief. “It is with heavy hearts that we advise that Officer Noah LeBlanc has gained his heavenly wings; God has gained a beautiful soul. Officer LeBlanc lost his battle this morning from complications due to this evil covid-19. Prayers for healing are with his family during this difficult time. God is Crying.”

The Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office shared their condolences with the Laguna Police Department and the LeBlanc family. “The Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office is deeply saddened by the passing of Officer Noah Ryan LeBlanc. We at the Sheriff’s Office express our deepest condolences to Officer LeBlanc’s family and the Laguna Vista Police Department.”