Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

NEVER FORGET! Honoring the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Deputy Sheriff Barry Keith Harper of the Licking County Sheriff's Office, Ohio, and the additional 79 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer (Retired)
Ohio Attorneys General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

November 8, 2024

Deputy Sheriff Harper,
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. a navy during the Vietnam War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Fair Winds And Following Seas

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

November 8, 2023

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Deputy Sheriff Barry Keith Harper of the Licking County Sheriff's Office, Ohio and the additional 76 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

November 8, 2023

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Deputy Sheriff Barry Keith Harper of the Licking County Sheriff's Office, Ohio and the additional 74 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

November 8, 2022

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Deputy Sheriff Barry Keith Harper of the Licking County Sheriff's Office, Ohio and the additional 72 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

November 8, 2021

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will never be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

November 8, 2020

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorney Generals Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Deputy Sheriff Barry Keith Harper of the Licking County Sheriff's Office, Ohio and the additional 72 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

November 8, 2020

Barry and I worked together at Union Twsp P D. At Buckeye Lake Oh. I worked as dispatcher . I was a single mother with no family near by. At Christmas Barry bought me a gift that to me was expensive . A leather Buxton wallet that I would have never given myself. It was the only gift I received that year. Barry'generosity was never forgotten by me .

Co-worker
Retired RN

April 10, 2020

I am helping my mother do some work today. Your name came up as it does when reminiscing. She still remembers how kind and thoughtful and helpful you were. She would bring me to work (before they closed the office in Buckeye Lake)when she had no sitter and when you were in the station you would entertain and chase me. I was young but remember your kindness.

Jennifer Kelson
Friend

April 10, 2020

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Westerville, Ohio Division of Police, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Deputy Sheriff Barry Keith Harper of the Licking County Sheriff's Office, Ohio and the additional 71 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Chief Joe Morbitzer
Westerville, Ohio Division of Police

November 8, 2018

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Westerville, Ohio Division of Police, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Deputy Sheriff Barry Keith Harper of the Licking County Sheriff's Office, Ohio and the additional 70 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Chief Joe Morbitzer
Westerville, Ohio Division of Police

November 8, 2017

Deputy Sheriff Harper,
Sir, even though it has been 29 years since your End of Watch you are still honored and remembered. I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Licking County. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
U.S. Border Patrol

November 8, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the twenty-sixth 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.

I pray for solace for those who love and miss you.
Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

November 8, 2009

Deputy Sheriff Harper,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Licking County. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous

November 8, 2008

Rest in peace with god Deputy Harper. One day you will be with your family again, in heaven.

krissy

kristine wilton
cousin of Christopher Nicholson/Smithsburg Md. EOW-12/19/2007

February 27, 2008

I was so very young when he left us! Barry wasn't just my Uncle he was my Idle! I think about him everyday! I'm now 31 yrs. old And i know it been a very long time but i still remember all the times Barry would come to the house and he'd call me over so he could put his hands over my ears and tell dad dirty jokes. I wish you was still here to see how much we've all grown up and wish my son could meet the greatest man a person could know! To this day i keep a picture of you and Lucifer on my wall so i can see you every day! I love you and i'll nver forget you!!!!

Jeremy M Harper
Nephew

January 17, 2008

It makes you feel so good to know how people feel when your your brother is gone. I miss him so much. He was suppose to stop for a coffee the night he died. When I saw the sheriff's car pull in to the drive early in the morning I thought it was him stopping to have a cup. It was to tell me Barry had been hurt real bad and if I cared about him we should go see him. Before I could get ready to go see him they called back to say he was gone, I thought they meant he had gone home but they said he had died. So when you need to stop and have a doughnut, please do, it for Barry, it may save your life.

Bruce Harper
Brother

January 16, 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

January 3, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

VanDenBerghe
NH

November 3, 2007

On behalf of the Fraternal Order of Police, Capital City lodge #9 in Columbus, Ohio we are very sorry for the loss of your life while serving your community and our country! God bless your family!

President Jim Gilbert
Fraternal Order of Police,Capital City Lodge #9, Columbus, Ohio

July 9, 2007

Deputy Sheriff Harper, your sacrifice has not been forgotten.

Michelle - wife of Retired LEO

October 25, 2006

I just want to thank Deputy Harper's family for their sacrifice. I was born and raised in Newark and one of the main reasons I became a state trooper was do to the imprint of how professional the Deputies and Police Officers were in Newark and Licking County. Rest in peace brother.

Trooper Dennis Welsh
Az. Highway Patrol (retired)

February 1, 2006

Barry,
You were my best friend, and the person that encouraged me most as I got into my law enforcement career. Its been 23 years since your death, hard to believe. You helped me so much all those times I rode with you, you were my hero. I sure wish you could see me now, and I'm sorry that working on the drug unit kept me from seeing you more.

Scott

Commander Scott Wagner
Columbus State Police Academy

January 6, 2005

My dad died when I was ten years old. We shared the same birthday and I'll never forget the day we received the phone call informing us of his death only four days after our birthdays. My parents were divorced. I lived in Boston. He lived in Ohio. Although I did not know him very well, I think about him often. My uncle sent an email that referenced my dad which sparked my Internet search for more info about him and his death today. I came across this memorial page and thought I'd pay tribute to my dad. I know that he was very much loved and respected by many in his community. And I will continue to remember him with love.

Elke (Daughter)

December 24, 2004

Rest easy, brother as you live through us who continue to fight. Godspeed.

Deputy M. Moore
Warren County S.O. (OH)