This oral history interview with Randy Leonard was conducted by Jim Strassmaier in seven sessions, from January 12 to March 2, 2018. The interview was conducted as part of the Oregon Labor Oral History Program, which collects oral histories of individuals who have advocated for working people of Oregon, including public figures, union members, and workers. In addition to the audio recording of the interview, this collection includes one color digital photograph of Leonard, taken by Strassmaier at the time of the interview.

In this interview, Leonard discusses his family background and early life in Portland, as well as his education. He describes how working as an intern and staff member for Oregon State Representative Ed Lindquist inspired his later careers as a firefighter and legislator. He discusses his experiences as a firefighter with the Portland Fire Bureau, and speaks extensively about serving as president of the International Association of Fire Fighters, Local 43, also known as the Portland Fire Fighters Association. He then discusses his tenure in the Oregon Legislature from 1993 to 2002, including his campaigns, serving on the Senate labor and business committee, legislation he worked on, and legislators he served with. He next speaks about his years on the Portland City Council from 2002 to 2012, including mayors he worked with and issues and ordinances he worked on. He also speaks extensively about his experiences overseeing the Portland Water Bureau.