Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Deputy Barnes,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

March 31, 2024

I remember Charles from Wadley Hospital (now Regional Medical Center). He was security and I would go in with my mom on Saturdays to volunteer as a candy striper. I'll never forget that last morning, him standing at the end of the entrance hall, arms open wide for a hug, and his embrace as he hugged me that one last time on his last day. I saw him from a distance just once more that day and we waved and smiled at each other. Had I known that he'd be gone that night, I would have done things very differently. He was a dear friend of the family and I was only 15 at the time. It broke my heart for Charlie and Geri and all who knew him, but I know the world was made a better place because Charles walked the earth.

Your memory lives on in all who knew you, my friend, and 30 years later, we still remember. Sleep soundly in Our Father's arms; I'll see you again when my work is done.

Kari (Luplow) Mancuso
Friend

December 23, 2014

Officer Barnes, I did not work with you. But I know you. I know you from the stories that my daddy told me. I know the kind of man you were from the stories that many of your fellow Miller County Deputies have spoken. I have told my children and grandchildren about you, your honor and your sacrifice.

Daughter of a Miller County Deputy

January 6, 2014

This one was the one that has been burned into my memory because it was the first LODD I recall after my career started in Pulaski County Arkansas. Myself and the deputy I was working with were at the Loves store at the Galloway Exit on I-40 when the notification and BOLO went out over the radio. Needless to say, we did not finish our meal and we got out back on patrol hoping that these folks were caught but at the same time hoping we could catch them. The suspects were located in a barn and they were even shooting at the air unit flying above. One was killed and the other 2 were arrested. I believe their ages were like 13, 15, and 21 years old and during the interview with the 13 year old, he stated "we decided the next person that stopped to check on us to see if we needed help we were going to kill, and it was all the better that it was a pig"! 13 years old and already thinking that way. I do not recall what the punishment/sentence was for the other two of the trio but I hope and pray they are still locked up so they can never have an opportunity to kill another officer ever again. Deputy Barnes was murdered doing what he loved and God bless him for that. God bless Deputy Barnes' family, friends, and co-workers who survived him after this tragic and senseless murder. Please everyone be safe out there and make sure you go home to your families after your shift is over. God bless the peacemakers.

Senior Patrolman Donnie Meaders
Wewoka (OK) Police Department

December 25, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 28th 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 who was murdered in the the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

I pray for solace for all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace. Thanks to your son and friends for sharing their memories and devotion to you through their reflections. I am sure you are proud that your son continued your legacy of protecting and serving.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

April 1, 2012

I will never forget the day the call came that you were gone. My parents weren't home and I was in a panic, not knowing what to do. By the time they arrived I was hysterical. I knew you through Charlie Jr. and seeing you at the baseball field. You always looked so strong and stunning in your uniform. But you were so kind and loving, your smile put us kids at ease. And you loved to hear my mother sing! It was her greatest honor to sing "Peace in the Valley" at your service, and one of the toughest. You touched my entire family. Many years have passed, the newspaper clippings have faded to yellow, but I still think of you often. I have taken my children to the memorial outside of the courthouse, I have told them your story, I have tried to keep your memory alive. God bless you and hold you. You made quite an impression on all those you touched.

Sonja Peavy McCarty

February 20, 2012

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

March 31, 2010

Rest in Peace, Deputy Barnes. Your sacrifice is not forgotten

Officer 11169

June 8, 2009

Hey Charlie
Was just thinking about you tonight. Katie and I had been talking and just talking about ole time when all of you guys worked together a Burnham and Pharr. and how you and sammy worked the opposite ends of the county you miller and him bowie. He is about to retire I think. Might pull all my hair out with him under my feet all day and nothing to do. Talk to you later Patty

pmorgan

April 6, 2009

Charles,
Everytime I read the Reflections left by others, I think
about you and your Lovely family. We will never forget the many hours of talking to you at Burman-Pharr and the Police stories you shared with us. Sammy is still in LE and
is about to retire soon after 30 yrs it is up to the younger guys now. Charlie Jr. as he often called you to us Keep up the good work. God Bless You and your family.

patty morgan
Former Texarkana, Texas Police Officer's Wife

January 19, 2009

Deputy Barnes your work on this Earth as we know it is done. You are in God's Hands now brother. May you rest in peace.

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee

May 17, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

February 28, 2008

First, I would like to thank eveyone for the reflections left behind. They mean everything to a survior and fellow law enforcement officer. Well Dad, it's been almost 24 years now since that night. I know how the story reads, but I know you and your officer safety. Thank you for the example of a man and officer you set for me. I strive each day that I too set that example for your grandkids. You will NEVER be forgotten!!!

LT Charlie Barnes
(Son)

January 18, 2008

"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

August 8, 2007

You are remembered. Night shift A Kaufman County Sheriff's Office

Sergeant Chris Whatley
Kaufman Co Sheriff's Office

March 19, 2006

Each day I try to read the ODMP. Today I read your story. No officer who gives his/her life for us need ever be forgotton. You died a hero; rest in peace.

03/30/04

Captain Robert W Cannon, Ret.
Vermilion Co, Il. Sheriff's Dept.

March 30, 2004

RIP sir, your sacrifice will not be forgotten and in vain. God bless.

Anonymous

January 20, 2004

Rest easy, Brother, you are not forgotten.

Monroe Co. Sheriff Dept. Bloomington, In.l

January 15, 2004