Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Lee, it is hard to believe you left us 15 years ago and Johnny 26 years ago. You were not only a hero in your family's eyes but in the eyes of many. You were the brother I never had growing up and I know that you are watching over all of us on earth until we are someday reunited. You are missed and loved so much, please shine on us daily and know that you are not fogotten. I love you!

Terri Bowman-Hundley
Close Family Friend

September 1, 2010

Fifteen years has passed and we still haven't forgotten you buddy. Your family is awesome. I know you're keeping watch over them...how proud you must be.

PK
Friend/co-worker

August 4, 2010

I can't believe it has been 15 years already. I still remember the day, like it was yesterday. I am truely sorry for your family and although I know it is little help, they truely had a hero in their lives.

Anonymous

August 3, 2010

I was thinking about Lee this week when I was looking through some old photos. I lost touch with his wife many years ago. I went to Marine Corps Boot Camp with Lee and was stationed at Quantico with him. He and his wife helped my wife and I when we were expecting our first child. I went to work at BPD (Biloxi PD) at the same time he went to work at Binghamton PD. I would enjoy sharing old pics with his family or co-workers.

Lee you are still thought of fondly. RIP my friend.

Ronald V. Weeks
USMC / Biloxi Police Retired / Lee's Friend

July 29, 2010

I attended UE with Lee where we were both on the wrestling team. Brother, you were a great teammate and an all around great guy. You were always positive and fun loving and I will never forget the time we went for breakfast after making weight and found "FRESH SNOW!!!!" Who would have known then that your "Starsky and Hutch" driving skills were the start of your police career. May God hold you and your family close and may you Rest In Peace brother...

Don Rogers
Teammate

July 2, 2010

I am always looking at the officers on ODMP, and this is the first time I have come across an officer i know of with out looking them up. i know Patrolmen Barta's story, the history of Liberty Street in Binghamton, i grew up and went to school in Binghamton, and got to know many of his co workers. they are all grate men, just as im sure Officer Barta was. thank you for your service sir, may you rest in peace knowing your partners of today have your back and your memories.

N/A

May 5, 2010

Lee,
My dad always told me growing up that you were the biggest hero he ever me, I am really sorry I never got a chance to really get to know you like he knew you... Your a hero and we all miss you and love you.

Anonymous

January 8, 2010

I said a little prayer today for Patrolman Barta and his family. He may be gone but never forgotten. He will always be a New York HERO.

Robyn Wilkes

July 30, 2009

Lee,

I was thinking about you today and decided to visit this site. Just to let you know that I haven't forgotten and that I keep your family in my prayers. Your wife wrote to me shortly after I left my first reflection and much to my regret I misplaced the letter shortly there after. I would very much like to finally respond to her and Mrs. Barta, if you read this and have our address would you please let me know. I appologize for taking so long to post this. I hope that you and your family are well and that time has eased your pain. God Bless you and your children ma'am and,"SEMPER FI" Lee.

Sgt Phil Cook
Toledo Police Dept. Toledo Ohio

March 27, 2008

Memorial Week is right around the corner and for the 13th year in a row I will pay you a visit at the wall in Washington DC and reflect on our relationship as we grew from kids in to adults with our own children. Your Mom and Dad are both with you now and I am sure the reunion was beautiful. I have missed you enormously, I still sit with Nikki, Corey and Jaimee and share the silly stories of all the mischief we got in to as kids. Across the wall is Johnny's name, my husband and the reason that you became a Patrolman. Johnny's murder still remains unsolved after 24 years. It's sort of eerie that you two were killed in the same month, 11 years apart and your names are almost directly across from each other on the wall. You represented law enforcement proudly and one day I will reunite with two of my best friends, please watch for me, when I do join you. I love you and miss you Lee!

Terri "Bowman" Hundley
Long Time Family Friend

March 5, 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 18, 2007

Rest in peace Officer Barta. Semper Fi.

Police Officer Nelson Marti
New York State Park Police/Long Island region

August 10, 2007

Lee Barta --

I did not work with you or know you on a personal level. I met you only once, but I do know of you through others. You are not forgotten, and never will be.
My deepest condolences to your family and especially your children. Know that you can be proud of your son Danny, who I heard speak at the Police Memorial Breakfast, a couple of years ago. You have a wonderful loving son, that has suffered so much, yet impressed and inspired me, with his courage, love of family and obvious love for you. He has grown into a wonderful young man, and I am sure you have been with him each and every day since your passing.

May god bless your family, you are missed, and never to be forgotten.

BPD Supporter
Friend of the Binghamton, NY Police Department

January 18, 2007

Lee, I will always remember the times we laughed. I will never forget the day you left us. I am sure you are watching over us. My daughters are all teenagers now but still remember the day daddy and mommy cried together because we lost you, They still enjoy going and cheering on all the 5K runners at your memorial run. We miss you.

JCPD Detective
Friend

November 4, 2006

Officer Barta will be dearly missed everyday i used to see him in the neighborhood often and he always spoke and keep a cheerful smile and always gave you the benifit of the doubt i just want to say thank you officer Barta for all the encouragement and the advice you gave me when you came down my street which was munsell you are missed deeply.

James Cardwell
Associate /friend

September 21, 2006

I NEVER MET LEE BARTA BUT I REMEMBER THE NEWS ON AUGUST 3, 1995. OFTENTIMES WHEN I PICK UP THE LOCAL NEWSPAPER AND STILL SEE HIS FAMILY'S LOVING WORDS FOR HIM, IT'S HEARTWARMING TO SEE THE LOVE FOR THIS MAN THAT THEY FEEL TO THIS DAY. HOW PROUD HE MUST BE OF YOU ALL, AND HOW BLESSED HE WAS TO HAVE HAD YOU ALL IN HIS LIFE. WHAT A BEAUTIFUL ANGEL YOU HAVE WATCHING OVER YOU...GOD BLESS

SOMEONE WHO REMEMBERS...

August 3, 2006

I love you and miss you so much i wish you were here

Kellie Barta
Dad

May 12, 2006

Lee, remembering you always,

anonymous

December 16, 2005

Lee Barta was a fine young man who died doing what he wanted to do, ptotect and serve. We were stationed together in the Marine Corps and even flew on Marine One (The President's Helicopter). I hope your family will always cherish your memory with the zest that you had for life.

Semper Fi

Sgt. Brian Lisenby
North Carolina Highway Patrol

March 9, 2004

On behalf of the Connecticut Police Work Dog Association, I would like to express our deepest regards and sympathy to the family, friends and fellow officers of Lee Barta. You gave the ultimate sacrifice. Lee, you may be gone, but you will NEVER be forgotten. Rest in peace blue angel and thank you for your service.

James A. Cortina

Director
Connecticut Police Work Dog Association

February 12, 2004

God bless you and your family.

Scott Sparks
Chesterfield County Police Department, Va

October 5, 2003

May God's Angels Always Follow You and Your Loving Family.
Christmas 2002

Elizabeth Ross

Lee,
It's been seven years and we still remember. Not a day goes by that I don't think of what a loss we suffered on that hot Thursday at 3:08pm. You're in my prayers always buddy!

Anonymous

God Bless and Semper Fi, I was stationed w/you in Quantico.

Cpl M. McDonough
Calvert Co. Sheriff, MD

Lee
I remember you so often when we are sitting together laughing so hard it hurts. The night you and Danny and Mary chased eachother with nerf guns around Downs Ave. The CHICKENPAW incident. The night the candle melted through the table. You were bigger than life and I dont want you
ever to feel bad about asking us to be Godparents. Gregg is tied to Kelly in ways we cannot measure and I will find my way with her soon and for the rest of her life.
You are the cop all others should be measured and you aways will be...Miss you Love you and wish you were hear even if you were in BOOB mode.

Anonymous