Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Barge,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of College Park. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

November 7, 2024

Remembering the fallen who gave their life for the badge. I was born exactly six months to the day after your life was taken and for the last 20 years I’ve worn the badge proudly for the family. (Mrs. Ara Barge Terry’s granddaughter).

May we never forget the sacrifice you made.

Deputy April (Terry) Dolan
Dodge County Sheriff’s Office, Dodge County, Ga.

May 18, 2024

My memory of Officer Barge is through his wonderful wife and widow, Alice Barge. She was a secretary/assistant to the principal, Mrs. Selman at M.P. Word Elementary School in Fairburn, GA where I went to school; I was about 9 years old then. At that time my dad, former Chief of Police of Fairburn, Charles (Charlie) Nave was not quite Chief yet but I'll never forget the white as a sheet ashen look on my dad's face and dropped to his knees. Hearing about what happened to Officer Barge crushed my dad. I have always thought of the Barge Family as part of my family through law enforcement, we are all Blue Family. At 56 years old today, I still think of him and Mrs. Alice Barge. She was the sweetest and kindest woman I ever knew and you can always see the love, and hurt, she feels that Officer Barge is no longer with us. I know I've lost touch with Mrs. Barge but I will never forget her and love her dearly. If the Barge Family ever reads this I want them, especially Mrs. Alice Barge, to know that Chief Nave's family is always thinking of them and praying for them. Sending infinite love and prayers to you all. God Bless our men and women in Blue and the families in Blue...I love you all.

Annette Nave, daughter
Daughter of Police Chief Charles Nave

September 30, 2021

I was a young patrol officer at Clayton co police department when this happened. I grew up in college park and knew Barge. My parents still living in college park when this happened.

Lieutenant Clint Armstrong
Clayton County Police

September 13, 2021

Please keep a lookout for my podcast. I just didn't have another book in me ...

"The Dixie Mafia and The Games People Play".
After I published my book Sins of Henry County, I have spent another 7 years investigating Eugene Barge's murder. The story of why, the story of who and the story of who covered it all up and made it go away.
I will never forget a man, I never knew.
Charles L Sargent

Author Charles L Sargent
Writer

September 19, 2019

I love you, Graddaddy. I love hearing stories about you from daddy and I wish so much that I could have known you. Regardless, it breaks my heart to know you’re not here and that grandmother, daddy, and Tommy had to lose you the way they did.

Audrey Barge
Granddaughter

March 5, 2018

I am investigating two other murders that took place the same day as Officer Barge. I believe they were all murdered by the same Dixie Mafia crew. If Any one can give any info on the arrest and or trial that took place in Mr. Barge's case, Please contact me through "Sins of Henry County" facebook.
Charles L. Sargent

none/ Charles L. Sargent
Writer

July 22, 2014

I was nine years old and heard the report on WSB radio. Our school bus route had to pass this area. I promised myself I would never forget this date of Nov 7, 1974. I never knew him, but after that day I had a new respect for our officers and human life.
Rest in peace

Robbie Ware

November 7, 2013

Rest in Peace, Officer Barge. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

March 24, 2012

I love you Granddaddy. I never got to know you, but that doesn't change how much I love you, and always will. Grandmother still loves you... I see it in her eyes every time she talks about you. And you raised two of the most amazing men in the whole world. Daddy and Tommy would make you a proud man.

Claire Barge
granddaughter

February 29, 2012

As a state officer assigned to Fulton Co (earlier in my LE career) I learned of this tragic event. As years passed and I joined a local church I found a new friend in an older member and later learned she is Officer Barge's widow. What a sweet sweet soul. Because it is such a small community, we also attend with several of his other family members. She has always been especially caring to my husband (also a local LE) and I. It just warms my heart when she hugs me and says she prays for us to come home safe to our babies.

My father retired from College Park PD in 2001. I was telling him about Ms. Alice and how she is related to the story I was told over and over while working the area. It was then my dad explained to me that his career began when Officer Barge's was so suddenly ended. Dad was hired to fill the open patrol position. I am blessed to say my father was able to safely retire with 25 years service there.

As for Officer Barge and his family your service nor your sacrifice will ever be forgotten. RIP, sir.

Inv. Tiffany Grier
Coweta SO

July 21, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 36th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

November 7, 2010

As my career's end is coming closer, I decided to check and find those who had lost their lives during the month & year that I was hired. While it's been many years since your passing, I'm sure those you left behind and those whom with you served with distinction have kept you alive in their memories. Thank you for your service and for looking out for us who continue in our chosen profession. Rest in peace Officer Barge.

Sgt. Robert Mau Sr.
PD Joliet IL

December 19, 2008

Mr.Gene Barge, I never knew you personally but I remember hearing the news 33 years ago when I was a child. I can say this proudly your sons carry on your legacy as a true gentleman and you were never forgotten. And as long as the legacy lives we will stand proud that we knew a gentleman and a police officer by the name of Gene Barge. Thank you for all you did.

matt clark
close family friend

December 6, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

VanDenBerghe
NH

November 3, 2007

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

October 8, 2007

Officer, you were never forgotten by your agency.

You were well respected and admired by your peers.

May you forever rest in peace.

Retired: Officer R.L.Wilson
College Park Police

retired Detective
College Park Police

June 20, 2007

It seems that some may have forgotten your sacrifice...I have not...

Lt. T. D. Barge
East Point, Ga. Police Department

January 26, 2004