Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Tomorrow marks 29 years ago you were taken from us. Hardly a day goes by I don't think about you and the sacrifice you made for the job you so loved. Until we meet again

Officer Michael Chalson
Binghamton Police Department

August 2, 2024

I attended Lee’s funeral 27 years ago and today (08-24-22) for some reason I was thinking about him and his family. May he Rest In Peace and prayers for his family. God watch over them and bless them.

PO Ret. Michael Prince
City of Rochester (NY) Police Dept.

August 24, 2022

Rest in Peace, Patrolman Barta.

Civilian Devonta Crawford
Member of Public

December 14, 2021

Rest in peace.

J.R.

August 6, 2020

Rest in peace knowing that your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

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

August 3, 2020

Patrolman Barta,
On today, the 25th 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 with the USMC. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!
A fellow LEO; former Marine

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

August 3, 2020

Broome County remembers the life of Binghamton NY Police Officer Lee Barta after 25 years

Posted on August 1, 2020 WBNG/WNBF NEWS

Broome County is remembering the life and service of Patrolman Lee Barta as the 25th anniversary of his death approaches this August.

Barta was shot and killed while on duty, pursuing an absconder in August of 1995. The suspect committed suicide after killing Barta.

The Broome County community keeps Barta's memory alive with the Lee Barta Community Center on the Northside of Binghamton, in the neighborhood where he lost his life.

The center is a part of the Healthy Lifestyles Coalition. According to their website, the mission of the Lee Barta Community Center is to collaborate with the community to inspire residents to live healthfully and achieve the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

The website says the center was opened in 2008 and underwent an expansion in 2018 that included a number of new amenities including a public computer lab, an exercise room, and a CHOW pantry.

One of Barta's sons is now a part of the City of Binghamton Police force, and the community center continues to give back to its residents, keeping Lee Barta's memory alive.

Retired Police Officer
NYPD

August 1, 2020

Rest in peace Patrolman Barta.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 8, 2020

I will never forget that day! At work, I heard the call on the police scanner, and immediately my heart sank...a quick prayer that it not be Officer Barta, the sound of screaming sirens as his brothers rush to find the thug that fired that gun that dreadful day...them rushing to Lee's home to get his wife to be by his side...helicopters flying overhead...TV and radio with breaking news. That day forever lives in my mind.

My mind immediately thought of Mary, and your ever so young children, including the one you never got to know. How could we ever thank them for sharing you with the rest of us.

You had a greater calling that fateful day. No matter how difficult it was for the city, the officers and your family, God needed you to come home that day.

Thank you Officer Barta for your service to the country, state and city. You will never be forgotten, and will always be in the hearts of those that knew you. Rest In Peace, your job well done.

Robin M. Bisbing

January 1, 2020

I remember one of the shift parties at your house, you said you would want the bagpipers to play Amazing Grace at your funeral.

You got your wish and I hate it!

Miss you brother!

Jose Hernandez Ptl (former)
BPD

August 3, 2018

I was working at the hospital the night this happened. I was sent up with an emergency cart and saw all the police officers standing around and I knew something terrible had happened. it was so surreal as Lee's death was so close to my own father's death many years ago.
Many thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Veronica Adams

March 1, 2018

Hardly a day goes by that I don't think of Lee and the Barta family, especially this time of year. You are all always in my prayers.

Ptlm. (Ret.) P.K. Harding
Binghamton PD

August 7, 2017

Just want you to know that my family and I have always kept you and your family in our hearts and prayers. I will never forget that day. I can't believe it's been 19 years. You would be so insanely proud of the amazing job your wife has done, raising your three beautiful children. I look up to her so much, and have since the day I met her. She defines strength, courage, love, dignity, and grace. Everyone always says how your children each have some of your very best features/qualities. - And they definitely do! It is so evident that you are living on, in all three of them. <3
One of my proudest moments, to date, was watching your oldest son, as he graduated the academy....and was pinned with your badge #139. He now works along side my husband, and I pray to God, every night to keep them, (and all our men and women in law enforcement) safe. I know you are always watching over them too. Thank you for that. <3
You will never be forgotten.... And always remembered, as a Hero. <3

L Kaz
Family Friend <3

September 17, 2014

Lee,

Myself and 17 others went through basic school with you. There isn't a day goes by that I don't think of you. You keep me safe. Thank you for everything you did for us with your way to short time on earth. RIP. 08/03/2014

Ellen F. O'Pray Patrol #46
Cornell University Police

August 3, 2014

Lee,
I can't believe its coming up on 19 years. I think of you often especially after being on the scene of DW Smith's murder in JC on March 31st. All those memories from August 3rd, 1995 came flooding back. And now your son Danny is on the job working with us. He is a fine young man and a good officer. You would be so proud of him!
Rest in peace my friend and thank you for watching over us all. We all miss you.

co-worker
Binghamton Police Dept.

May 2, 2014

To my brother Lee...I am so proud to call you my brother. Your commitment to "protect and serve" was incredible. You made the ultimate sacrifice...as many of your fellow officers do. Rest in peace.
And to those reading this that have lost loved ones, my heart goes out to you. I know that I will never see my brother again on this earth, but he is always with me. And I can't wait to see him again in Heaven.
Live your life full of pride, instead of remorse. I wish you strength and healing as you deal with your loss.

f barta
brother

August 5, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. I am privileged to post a reflection for you. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 18th anniversary year 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 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. Rest In Peace.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater

January 27, 2013

Thank you for your service and for helping to make America a safer place.

Deputy Brian Jones
Boulder County Sheriff's Office, CO

January 27, 2013

God bless you buddy. You are remembered and missed.

Co-worker
BPD

August 3, 2012

17 years ago I lost my best friend, he was like a little brother to me as we were growing up and I miss him everyday. I will never forget all the memories we shared as kids and as adults. Please continue to watch over your family and friends on earth. Until we meet again Lee, remember I love you and miss you tremendously.

Terri Bowman-Hundley
Survivor of Tpr.J.R. Bowman & Family friend

August 2, 2012

The memorial golf tournament will be held on july 23 at endwell greens. We will continue to remember you in many ways. And as long as your former brothers in arms can still draw a breath you will never be forgotten.

P.O Kevin W. Martin (Retired)
Binghamton Police Dept.

July 16, 2012

I think of you often my friend...Rest in Peace

Officer Michael H Chalson
Binghamton Police Department

June 26, 2012

Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers today. I'll be up with the pipes and a beer after work.

PK
co-worker

August 3, 2011

Thinking of you and your family today, as I do often.

Patrolman

August 3, 2011

My Dad had the honor to work with you, and when you went to heaven - that was one of the few times I ever saw him cry.

You will never be forgotten! God Bless.

Anonymous

December 22, 2010