Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I was working as a dispatcher on that Valentine's Day when a private citizen came over the FHP radio begging for help because a trooper had been hit by a car and was hurt bad. Fire rescue and other troopers were sent but Barney was not to survive. It was all because the driver was distracted, 3 sweet little girls and a loving wife along with co-workers and friends had their life changed forever by his death. Barney was a trooper who would help anyone. It was a day that I have not and will never forget. One of FHP's finest was not able to go home to his family.

Duty Officer Shawn (Doyle) Kelley
Florida Highway Patrol - Sanford Regional Communication Center

May 23, 2021

At time of Trooper Barnett,I was working for DOT North Dade Maintence yard. Just about every day I would see him visiting with his dad,before we left the maintence yard. I spoke with him and he was pleasant to talk to
I'm now employed at the Williamson County Sheriff's office in Franklin Tn.

Sht.
Williamson County Sheriff's Office

December 16, 2019

Barney is my uncle. I was 3 when he was killed. I grew up hearing amazing stories of the man he was the officer he was and the father he was. My mother adored Barney and called him her rock. She told me of the times he protected her when they were in the orphanage. She told me of the time he saved my life. She told me how he adored his little girls. And she told me of the day it all ended. I am also told i look alot like you. Barney all thou i only know the stories my mother /your sister told me i always dreamed of being just like you.. and to this day i strap on my duty belt and pin on my badge and i think about you. Thank you for all that you were to so many and for the service and sacrifice you gave.

Your nephew,
Deputy Jason Bautsch
McMinn County sheriff
Athens Tennessee

K-9/sro deputy
McMinn County sheriff department

March 27, 2018

Elmer, it's been 38 years since the day your tour ended. To me it still is like yesterday. We were high school buddies and remained friends Every time I drive by the airport I think of you, every Valentines day is another reminder !!! I miss you and will never forget you. May the Lord keep you in His watch until we are together again.

David Lange
Friend

April 13, 2016

Rest in peace Trooper Barnett. I have visited the graves of other fallen police officers at Dade Memorial Park in North Miami, FL where you were buried. Your bravery and courage won't be forgotten. I go there to visit the grave of Metro-Dade Police Officer William C. Cook, who was my neighbor who lived in North Miami Beach and was killed in the line of duty on May 16, 1979. Officer Ccook was a hero like you who responded to a domestic call in Liberty City even though he was not required to. It's a shame your wife had you cremated and your remains scattered elsewhere because of vandalism. This is truly tragic!

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 15, 2014

Trooper Barnett continue to rest in peace, you sir are a hero that will never be forgotten..

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

February 14, 2013

We will never forget the sacrifice you made for us. Continue to rest in peace Trooper Barnette.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

February 14, 2012

Rest in Peace, Trooper Barnett. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 9, 2012

I have just recently discovered this website dedicated to fallen Troopers. Barney was my father and I know very little about him as he passed when I was very young. Thank you to all who have posted!

Janie
Daughter

January 29, 2012

Trooper Barnett,

Thank you for your years of service to the people of Florida as a FHP Trooper.

By chance I met your wife today at a garage sale we were having in Deland, FL. She introduced herself to my wife and I, spoke of you and told me about your accident and very untimely death. There was a sadness in her eyes and voice that told us she has never forgotten you and holds you close and dear within her heart. I don't believe she ever remarried.

You have not been forgotten Trooper Barnett.

Respectfully submitted,

R. A. Dea
DHS / TSA / former Volusia County Sheriff's Office Deputy

Robert A. Dea
DHS / TSA / former Volusia County Sheriff's Deputy

March 19, 2011

A hero in life, not death. You are remembered.

Constable Amanda Pandolfi #1249
York Regional Police, Ontario Canada

February 14, 2011

We will never forget the sacrifice you, your family and your department made for us. HEROES do live forever... Continue to rest in peace.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

Anonymous

February 14, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 32nd 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

February 18, 2010

Today on the 30th anniversary of your death, we pause and say a prayer for you and those you left behind.
We were both working for Rivera Beach Police Department in Florida and remember your passing
Rest in peace Trooper you are not forgotten.
Chief John Roelandts (retired)
Deborah Roelandts (911 retired)
Oconomowoc Wisconsin

Chief John Roelandts (retired)
Town of Oconomowoc

February 14, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODASY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

January 15, 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

December 12, 2007

I worked for a local PD at the time of "Barney's" death. He would occasionally stop by our office to use the phone. (no cell phone in those days.) Barney was friendly, polite and cordial, and made friends whereever he went. He was mild mannered and a gentleman.
I was in the hiring process to become a trooper at the time; his professional demeanor and words of encouragement were a source of inspiration and motivation to me.
He was well liked and respected by people who knew him. His death was a tragedy; he was struck and killed by a careless driver while on a traffic stop on the "Dolphin" expressway in Miami. If we'd only had the "move over" law back then.
Thank you for your dedication and service Trooper Barnett. Rest in peace.

Brother Trooper
FHP

January 25, 2007

rest in peace Trooper Barnett.

Offc. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Department

June 27, 2006

You are not forgotten.

TROOPER
FHP

June 2, 2004

I DIDN'T KNOW YOU, BUT I THINK OF YOU AND OTHER FALLEN TROOPERS OFTEN.

TPR. S.W. COODY
FLORIDA HIGHWAY PATROL

October 21, 2003