Leroy lived a life defined by service, leadership, and dedication to others. He proudly served in the United States Navy from 1975 to 1977 as a Poseidon deep diver and earned the distinction of being a Loyal Blue Nose sailor in 1976.
In 1980, Leroy began his remarkable career in K-9 law enforcement in Lafayette, Louisiana, where he built the program from a single working dog to six highly trained dual purpose dogs. Among them was a Labrador Retriever that tied for first place at the United States Police Canine Association National Dog Training Trial in Memphis, Tennessee. During his time in Lafayette, Leroy was also honored as Save #225 in the Safariland Group SAVES Club.
In 1987, Leroy joined the Shreveport Police Department, where he once again transformed the K-9 unit—growing it from one dog to ten. His expertise earned him recognition worldwide, as he trained K-9 handlers across the United States, Mexico, Europe, Korea, Japan, the Netherlands, and Germany. Leroy also served as certifying official # 1 for detector and patrol dogs for the National Police Canine Association where he was founder and President from 1996 to 2000.
Following Hurricane Katrina, Leroy answered the call to serve once more, deploying to New Orleans to assist in search and rescue efforts during one of the nation’s most devastating disasters.
He retired from the Shreveport Police Department in 2008 but continued his service in 2011 with the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office under his close friend, Sheriff Steve Prator. There, Leroy elevated the K-9 program to new heights, giving second chances to dogs on local euthanasia lists by training them as narcotics detection dogs—saving lives both human and canine. He retired from Caddo Parish in 2025, leaving behind a lasting legacy.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Leroy was a loving and devoted father, an avid duck hunter, an outdoorsman, a protector, a leader, and a man of God.
He also had a one-of-a-kind sense of humor—quiet, witty, and sometimes understood only by those closest to him—that brought laughter and light into his family’s lives. Those moments of laughter, along with his wisdom and strength, are memories his children will hold onto forever.
Above all, Leroy will be remembered for the deep, unwavering love he had for his children—a love that was constant, powerful, and unconditional. To them, he was more than a father; he was their hero, their greatest supporter, and the man they looked up to in every stage of life. The values he instilled, the lessons he taught, and the love he gave will continue to guide them, and his presence will forever be felt in their hearts.
Leroy is survived by his sons, Aiden Azlin and Christopher Azlin (Michelle); his daughter, Nikki Azlin (Josh Lakins); his granddaughters, Summer Azlin and Addison Graves; his grandson, Gage Graves; his sister, Mary Azlin Gurel; his lifelong best friend, Jack Robicheaux; and his law enforcement family worldwide including SPD, CSPO, and LSP.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Fannie Mae Conroy; his longtime best friend, Richard Pettitt; his father, Ralph Ancel Azlin; and his mother, Jimmie Justine Barton Azlin.
Pallbearers will be Aiden Azlin, Christopher Azlin, Brock Bonds, Jeff Hammer, Mark McLaughlin, and Ronnie Gryder, with Jack Robicheaux serving as an honorary pallbearer.
The family extends special thanks to The Carpenter House, the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Shreveport Police Department, the Louisiana State Police, and all who have supported Leroy and his family during this time.
Visitation will be held on March 31, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home & Park, Chapel, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport, Louisiana, followed by a Celebration of Life at 3:00 PM.
Leroy will be laid to rest at Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Keithville, Louisiana.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s K-9 Unit, the Shreveport Police Department K-9 Unit, or the American Diabetes Association.
Leroy’s legacy of service, compassion, and dedication will live on in the lives he touched and the community he helped protect.
