Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Lee Barta was one of my instructors at the Broome County Law Enforcement Academy. He taught units on firearms, arrest tactics, and officer survival, and the skills he passed on got me through some tough situations during my five years on the street. Since then I've left the police department to practice law, but I won't forget Lee or what I owe him.

David M. Fine (former patrolman)
Dryden Police Department (former)

Lee and I served together in the Marine corps while stationed at MCCDC Quantico VA from 1989-1991. I remember then Corporal Barta as being a very motivated and "squared away" marine and military policeman. Lee worked for me during his tour as both an M.P. and as a member of the Provost Marshal's SRT team. It has been over a decade since I last saw Lee but I can still picture him with that ever present smile on his face and recall his quick wit.

I was discharged after the Gulf war and my wife and I moved out of state. I lost touch with Lee and it wasn't until very recently that I learned of his death. It saddened me a great deal and although he had died several years before I learned of his passing the sense of loss was sudden and new. I think of him often and realize that in our line of work even the best of the best can in the blink of an eye make the ultimate sacrifice. Lee is a testament to that.

To his family and to the brothers and sisters he served with in law enforcement I send my deepest condolances and sympathy. August 3rd, 1995 marked the loss of one of the best and one of the brightest. He will be deeply missed by those of us who had the privilege of knowing him.

Respectfully Submitted

Officer Philip Cook
Toledo police department
Toledo Ohio
(Sergeant U.S.M.C.)

Ptlm Philip Cook
Toledo police Dept