Leonard P. McCandless was born in Cedarville, New Jersey, on July 24, 1908. He graduated from Bridgeton High School in 1926. For two and a half years prior to enlisting in the New Jersey State Police, Trooper McCandless was employed as a chauffeur for the John M. Bailey Package Company of Millville, New Jersey. He resided in Bridgeton, Cumberland County, New Jersey.

Trooper McCandless enlisted with the New Jersey State Police on October 1, 1930 as a member of the 23rd State Police Class. He was assigned to the Toms River sub-station in Troop “C”, Toms River. His service with the New Jersey State Police was characterized by loyalty, fearless performance of duty and faithful and energetic devotion to the principles of the New Jersey State Police.

The death of Trooper McCandless resulted from injuries received in a motorcycle accident in the line of duty.

At 4:15 P.M. on June 28, 1931, Trooper McCandless was travelling on Route 4 South in Berkeley Township on his motorcycle. As he attempted to pass slower moving traffic, he collided with a north-bound Ford Sedan. Suffering from shock due to multiple fractures of his left arm, head trauma and deep lacerations of his left leg, he was transported by ambulance to the Paul Kimball Hospital of Lakewood, New Jersey. Trooper McCandless died enroute to the hospital.

Trooper McCandless served 9 months with the New Jersey State Police. He was survived by his parents, brother and four sisters. He was 23 years old.

‍