Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I worked with George and Jimmy his partner at Firestone Station and I knew the location of the shooting well. A great street cop and one whose teaching officer survival classes saved a lot of lives. RIP sir

Chief of Police Jerry Boyd (former LASD)
LASD plus others

November 15, 2024

RIP Sir. Always remembered.

Deputy Sheriff Los Angeles
County Sheriff

April 19, 2023

I was assigned to SEB/ESD at the time of Georges passing. I knew his long time partner, Jimmy and through Jimmy met George. They are both gone now but they were incredible cops and well respected by all who knew them. Jimmy had many stories to share of him and George and never really got over losing his partner. May they both rest in peace. Hope they are up there sharing a brew!

Sergeant, Robert S. Murcott, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

January 14, 2022

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Barthel.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 17, 2019

Deputy Sheriff Barthel,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served in Vietnam. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol
El Paso Station

April 19, 2019

Rest easy. Your invaluable lessons are still being followed and will be for generations to come.

Deputy Sheriff LASD

April 19, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother LEO. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service to this country.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

April 19, 2018

George and I began at LASD the same day in 1968 and worked off the street together until we entered different academy classes. I always valued having known George. He survived Vietnam only to be gunned down here at home. I miss him. I left LASD in1976 to move to northern California. (ELA, Sgt., Detective). I hope someday to partner up with him again.

Chief Investigator, Retired
Butte County District Attorney

June 24, 2015

As a kid, I remember you showing up at the house during the holidays and eating my moms tamales. Uncle George could put away a whole dozen all by himself. You were such an influence that just 3 years after you were taken I was at the CHP academy graduating and becoming an Officer in the WLA area. I was lucky enough to retire, but not a day goes by that I don't think about you. I still have a hard time when ever I hear the Bag Pipes. RIP Uncle George

Officer Ray Ramirez (Retired)
California Highway Patrol (Nephew)

October 24, 2014

As a very new policeman, I was sent to an officer survival class at Rio Hondo Academy. One of the instructors was a Deputy named George Barthel. In addition to being a dynamic speaker and a cop who had "been there and done that" I was totally impressed by the story he told of becoming friends with an LAPD Officer after their wives (Latinas!) met while picking up their uniforms at the dry cleaners. Anyway, one of the things he stressed was that he always carried a "back up" gun, and that it was simply matter of survival. At the end of the day, Deputy Barthel told us our number one priority was to get our partners and ourselves home at the end of our watch. From the day I listened to his lecture, I NEVER worked another day in my 32 years on the job without a back up concealed somewhere. In any event, about a week or two later, I was booking a female into the old Sybil Brand jail when I noticed a few Deputies in tears. When I asked what had happened, I learned that George had been shot and killed. The first emotion I remember was thinking, if they can kill Barthel, what chance do I possibly have of living thru a career as a cop?. I did, and I have never forgotten George Barthel. He wasn't a friend of mine, and the only words we exchanged were as teacher and student, but Deputy Barthel was a MAJOR influence in my career, and I will be forever grateful. I just wanted his family to know that.

Lt. Ernie Halcon
San Fernando Police Department

June 12, 2014

George it has been almost 35 years since you were taken from us. My time at SEB remains very special to me, and knowing you was truly an added blessing. I carry many memories about you with me even after these many years. Police work memories, Special Weapons team memories, studying Karate together memories, camping and 4 wheeling with our sons memories, a get together at your house memory. The memory that I visit most often is a conversation we had in early 1979 about family and faith. That conversation had an effect on me that continues to guide me each day. I will never forget you and know that I will be with you once again. Love you my brother.
Terry

Deputy Terry Taulbee
Los Angeles S.D. and Riverside P.D.

March 23, 2014

SEB is putting together a memorial site for George. Please contact Deputy Schultz at SEB for the details. We would like all family and friends to attend the ceremony which will be sometime in May 2014. God Bless!!

Deputy
Lasd

February 18, 2014

My Uncle was your partner that day. The rest of his career was guided by your memory, as is mine now. This is the first time I've searched for what happened. Say hello to him for me.

J in AK
Alaska State Troopers

October 16, 2013

That was a terrible night, April 19, 1979. I was a Deputy at Lynwood Station booking a suspect and responded to Jimmy's 998 / deputy down broadcast. We passed you being transported by radio car to St Francis Hospital.

We had left the station so quickly to the call for help, that I left my revolver in the gun locker! You "taught" me from then on to abandon the lockers and secure my weapon in the trunk while booking... a habit I did from then on!! I spent the next hours securing the crime scene with a shotgun and my partners back up piece!

Other dedicated Deputies caught your killer later that night.

I never forget you on 4-19...my mother's birthday as well. Say Hi to her for me partner. She has wings too.

Retired
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Dept

February 13, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today on the 33rd 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 that 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 friends for sharing their memories and devotion to you in their reflections.

Rest In Peace.

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

April 19, 2012

I went to Venice HS with george he played football and was a all around great guy. George was one of the fastest guys at Mark Twain Jr HS and always had a smile on his face.

Reserve officer Gerry Shumway
West Covina PD

January 31, 2012

George:

We were in the Academy together and were partners in training scenarios. You were one of the most enthusiastic cadets and one of the top cadets in the class. We came together again in 1974 at SEB where you and Jimmy Hollingsworth teamed up to be a great team and special training officer for officer safety and officer involved shootings. I still have a carved LASD badge on felt that is framed, that you made for me while we were at SEB. I will kept that kept sake till the day I pass and hope that my family will then give it to SEB.

Deputy Ken Duffey
LASD, ELA,SEB, Narco, Retired

August 30, 2011

I had the privilege of attending a week-long officer survival course at the College of the Redwoods, Eureka, CA in February of 1979. The course was taught by George and a few other deputies from the LASD. George and I had a number of things in common beyond our love for our profession and we stayed in touch after the course ended. I was one of the most shocked individuals on earth when I learned that George had been killed. I was able to represent my department at his rosary and funeral. I have thought of George and the impact he made on me every day since April 19, 1979. Thank you George!

Sergeant K Taylor (retired)
Benicia, CA PD

May 23, 2011

I had the pleasure of working SEB with George. He was a hero in war, in police work and as a friend. He attained a Black Belt in martial arts while at SEB. Everything he did was at the highest level and his respect for the people he served was outstanding. I will never forget George or his family.
Retired Sgt. Dave Lewis, LASD

David Lewis
LASD SEB AND FRIEND

April 20, 2011

I worked with George at SEB, and even though it's been many years since that terrible night, I think of him often. George and his family will always be in our familys thoughts and prayers....He was a great cop and a good friend -- he will always be missed by the many people that knew him.

John Flaherty
LASD

April 20, 2011

George gave me a money clip he and Jimmy had commissioned for their team for a Christmas gift. I carry it today and reflect every time I make a cash purchase or put it on my nightstand.... what a good friend and what a good cop is all about. RIP 4-19-11

Mark Thompson - LT (retired)
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Dept.

April 19, 2011

George was on my husband Jerry's Swat Team. We became very good friends with the family. He stopped by shortly before that awful day for coffee. I was putting our Daughter Stephanie's hair up in pony tails. Camille, his daughter was several years younger, and George said he couldn't wait until Camille's hair was long enough to do that. I think of that everytime I think of George. All the things missed! We've lost touch with the family. I hope they are all doing well.

Deputy Anne Hinkey
LASO

April 19, 2011

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

Officer 11169

October 23, 2009

I simply want to ask that you all stop and remember George Barthel tonight. As you know George was a great deputy and a friend to many on the department. It was thirty years tonight that he and Hollingsworth were essentially ambushed at 115th and Success. God rest his sole...

Anonymous

April 19, 2009

Sir, on the 30th anniversary of your death know that you are not forgotten. We are honoring your memory today with your old friends and partners sharing a few memories of you and the circumstances regarding your tragic death. You and your family are always in our prayers. God Bless.

Deputy Richard Conti
LASD Special Enforcement Bureau/Canine Services Detail

April 19, 2009