Seattle Police Department, Washington
End of Watch Sunday, August 13, 2006
Reflections for Police Officer Joselito Alvarez Barber
In Valor there is Hope. Rest in Peace Brother.
P.O. Chris Welby
Bridgeton, Mo PD
August 22, 2006
Officer Barber, I did not have the chance to attend your memeorial service today, but I did think of your family and co workers during this difficult day. You wont be forgotton.
A HERO TO MORE THAN HE KNOWS.
Emory - Ephrata, WA
brother of Ferry County WA Undersheriff Matthew J Lane, EOW 5/30/03
August 21, 2006
Lito,
Even though it has been so long since I've seen you, your loss still hit me just as hard. I still am in awe every time I see a new article or watch another news broadcast about your story. My heart hurts when I think of you and since the moment I got the phone call that day you passed, you haven't left my mind. I know you are home now with all our loved ones that have passed on. I bet Lolo Odie was right there at heaven's gate to welcome you in. I'm sorry I couldn't be there for your services in Washington, but I will mourn the same here in California. RIP for ever and always. My love goes out to you.
erika alvarez
cousin
August 21, 2006
My thoughts are with your family and friends. My son, a Chicago Officer, lost his life the same way you did, at the hands of an individual who did not care about others and deciced to drive while intoxicated. These individuals don't know the devastation experienced by the loved ones left behind land the dreams of the future that will never come to pass. You are a true hero Officer Barber and will never be forgotten. Keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol.
Bob Gordon, father of fallen Chicago Officer,
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
Bob Gordon, Chicago Gold Star Father
August 21, 2006
Officer Joselito Barber,
The day you left us, alot of your future brother's and sister's were attending the W.L.E.E.A academy. It was that day that Sgt. Little addressed the entire academy in your honor. I remember that day like it was today, clear as crystal. I may have not known you but, when I heard the news, my eyes watered up so fast like I had known you my whole life. I literally felt crushed. This is hard to write, considering I did not really know you. But from Sgt. Little, I gained all I needed to know about you, you worked hard, gave it your all everyday. No one could ask for more. So as I leave this message, im proud of you. Thank you for doing your best to keep my family and friends safe as possible. You will always be in our heart's and thought's, and you will Never be forgotten.
Thank you.
Explorer J. Klein
Olympia Police Department
August 21, 2006
In Shades of Valor
Suspended beneath a neck ribbon,
For courage where danger pervades
Is the award the Medal of Valor
The cost like none other paid.
From a mold that was chastened with fire
And forged with bottles and stone
Then spat upon and rubbed in the dirt
Comes a luster none other has shown.
Once cast and ready for purchase
The value to be assessed
Comes the question of price one man must pay
For the privilege of wearing this crest.
The cost won't be paid in money
It's worth more than silver and gold
There is no reserve, no cache large enough
To repay the cost of the mold.
But the price will be paid with bravery,
And in crimson blood that's shed
And the ultimate price, self-sacrifice
We'll know as we honor our dead.
Chuck Pore
Lt. Cary Murphy
Federal Way Police
August 21, 2006
My wife and I is honored to know you and sorrow to see you go. It was about 2 years ago that we seen each other and to hear from you this time is not what we expected. I am sure you will be in God's hand and will be looking over us. I know we will run into each other again someday.
Keep your chin up like how I remember you.
Rest in peace and see you later.
-Friend-
FRIEND
August 21, 2006
Officer Barber,
I was often in your area of patrol in the East Precinct, talking with other SPD friends of mine, but unfortunitely, never got the chance to meet you. Rest assured the members of SPD will take care of those you leave behind. Godspeed brother!
461
Trooper Mark Holthaus
Washington State Patrol - Seattle
August 21, 2006
Officer Barber
You will be missed by many. May your family find the peace and comfort they will need in the days, months, and years to come dealing with your loss. God knows it will not be easy. Each time they hear of an Officer lost to us, the wounds will be opened again. As I sit here at my computer while on lunch, the news covering your services is on and my heart is heavy, and the tears are flowing. May God grant you peace and a place at His side....
To Officer Barber and all the Officers that have given their lives in the Line Of Duty to protect us, And all the Officers that put the uniform on each day accross this Country, THANK YOU.
and GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
Officer Kranig
King County Animal Control
Uncle of Officer Steven Gajda
L.A.P.D. E.O.W. 1-1-98
Officer Kranig
King County Animal Control
August 21, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with the family and the Seattle Police Department.
Fallen but never forgotten.
Officer Bryan Laurie #1251
Haltom City Police Texas
August 21, 2006
While it is no consolation for your loss, my heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family and fellow officers of Officer Barber.
While I did not have the privilege to have known him personally, I am certain that he has found a place in heaven through his selfless service to those he swore to protect.
Rest in peace my friend; those of us who remain will cover your post on the thin blue line.
Officer Ryan McNeil
Medicine Lodge, KS Police Department
August 21, 2006
You must have been such a beautiful, special person to have given your life for us. I'm sorry I didn't know you. God must have missed you terribly to want you back so soon. My sad heart grieves for you and your family.
Deputy
King County Sheriff
Deputy
King County Sheriff
August 21, 2006
A police officer died today
before the dawn’s early light.
He started his shift
in the darkness of night.
An honored man -
A guardian in blue -
putting his life on the line
to protect me and you.
He had a greater calling -
one we don’t understand.
For his Lord has called him
To serve in Heaven’s land.
You will always be with us -
now an Angel in blue,
A Guardian looking down -
protecting me and you.
©Linda Spromberg - Aug - 2006
Linda Spromberg
Seattle Police Communications
August 21, 2006
Lito,
You smiled that day I told you that no longer were you a recruit, that you were a cop, and a member of the family, and that you should stop calling me "Sir" because we were now equals and brothers. I saw that smile again every time we did something challenging, or I complimented you, or you could imagine yourself out on the street, finally doing the job. The last time I saw that smile you had just "passed" FTO and you were given the green light to hit the street. The JOY on your face was priceless. I thought, "That's how we all need to be about this job. That's why we do this job. That's what it's all about." You inspired so many of us in the short period of time we knew you. You remain part of our family, and we will care for your loved ones while you wait for them. Keep up the Fire!
Joseph Fountain
Instructor, Seattle Police & O'Dea High School '87
August 21, 2006
May God be with you and your family. You were the kind of soul that left footprints on our hearts. You were taken away from us so soon. Your enormous smile and sense of humor will last in our hearts forever. God Bless your family and friends.
Wife of SPD officer
August 21, 2006
To the family of Joselito Barber,
Our son, a cop of four months, died last year when his cruise was T-boned by another cruiser in a high-speed chase. I watched the news from Seattle and was instantly reminded of my son. Though all may be a blur now, use all the resources that are available to you to help you through this time. Be thankful for the short time that you all had Joselito (How horrible for you to never have had him at all!). Become better, not bitter. You remain in my prayers and thoughts, and I wish the best for you in this time that seems empty. Fill that time with your love and memories.
Dave Fisher
Father of Owen Fisher, EOW 2005
David Fisher
August 20, 2006
Policeman's 23rd Psalm
(Author Unknown)
The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want,
His comforting hand reduces fear to naught;
He makes me walk through streets of crime,
But He gives me courage and peace of mind.
He leads me by still waters in the path I trod,
And He says in Romans I'm a "minister of God,"
He leads me in righteousness as He restores my soul,
For His name's sake He keeps me whole.
When I walk through death's valley, right up to the door,
I will fear no evil, for He comforts me more;
For Thou art with me every step of the way,
As thy rod and thy staff protect me each day.
He prepares a table, especially for me,
As I work daily among life's enemies;
He gives me authority to uphold the law,
And He anoints my position in the midst of it all.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me,
Each day of my life through eternity;
As I long to hear Him say, "Well done...,"
When I lay down my life, my badge, and my gun.
Rae Anna Victor
Communications Supervisor Spokane County Sheriff
August 20, 2006
Officer Barber~
I read of your death with tears. Last year my husbands department lost Officer Salivera due to vehicle assult as well. You served in the most honorable way to serve. My respect and honor goes out to you. The Lord tells us, "Blessed are the peacemakers...". May you be blessed.
Michelle
August 20, 2006
You only have to strap that uniform on for one day to be a Cop. It's strapping it on, every day after that one day, that makes you a Hero!
Godspeed brother.
Orange County Deputy
Orlando, Fl
August 20, 2006
Joselito,
Your sacrifice will not be forgotten. We will carry on with you and your family on our minds. Our prayers go out to your family.
Deputy Lockhart
King County Sheriff's Office
August 20, 2006
Officer Barber, you have served your city and your community with honor and dignity, we will carry on from here. To the family of Officer Barber you all are in our thoughts and prayer, remember that you all are now part of a much larger family. Officer Barber your time on the "JOB" was short but reading the reflections left by your fellow officers you made a very big impression on them....Bravo Zulu Brother. To the men and women of the Seattle Police Department hold your heads high as you carry on. Stay safe and watch each others backs.
Detective First Grade Robert F. Jackson
Metropolitan Police Department Washington DC/Homicide Branch
August 20, 2006
"We Remember the Officers"
We remember the officers who changed our lives,
The men and woman who protected us day and night,
People who respect for their dedication to the cause,
For when faced with danger, they never even pause.
We remember the officers who always stood true,
Whatever the color of uniform, brown gray or blue,
With pride and integrity they say "To serve and protect",
For the giving of their life, we offer our respect.
We remember the officers who we never really knew,
Persons strong enough to answer the challenge are few,
With heavy hearts we mourn the officers in eternal rest,
There's more to these people than the badge on their chest.
By Brad Miller
Communications Unit
Seattle Police Department
August 20, 2006
Kuya Lito...
You will always be a hero in my heart. Your lessons in life will always be remembered, because even when you thought I wasn't listening...don't worry, I ALWAYS DID*
Tori will miss you... but I promise that she will never forget you. Your voice, laughter, and life lessons will always be here with her.
Until we meet again bro... I'll be missing you*
-Jasmine Rodis
Sister
August 20, 2006
Lito,
I feel so blessed to have had you in my life. You have been an amazing friend and i will miss you so much. Know that I pray for you and that you are always in my thoughts.
~sb~
~SB~
Friend
August 20, 2006
So long brother. Many will miss you.
Officer Scott Parker # 603
Covington Police Department, Texas
August 20, 2006
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