Newbern Police Department, Tennessee
End of Watch Thursday, September 2, 2021
Add to My HeroesRichard Lee "Red" Barnes
Chief of Police Richard Barnes died from complications as a result of contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty.
Chief Barnes had served with the Newbern Police Department for 42 years and seven years as the Chief of Police. He is survived by his wife, three daughters, four sons, 15 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren.
The Effects of COVID on Law Enforcement
Beginning in early 2020, thousands of law enforcement officers and other first responders throughout the country began to contract COVID-19 during the worldwide pandemic. Due to the nature of their job, law enforcement officers were required to work and interact with the community even as the majority of the country was self-quarantined. As a result, hundreds of officers died from COVID-related illnesses and other complications.
Corrections agencies, in particular, suffered tremendous losses due to the constant and close proximity between the corrections officers and large inmate populations. Since March 2020, ODMP has verified that over 900 law enforcement officers have died as the result of a confirmed or presumed exposure while on duty and continues to work with hundreds of other agencies that have suffered a COVID-related death.
Visit ODMP's COVID-19 memorial listing every officer who has died as a result of a confirmed or presumed exposure.
Bio
- Age 63
- Tour 42 years
- Badge 400
Incident Details
- Cause COVID19
- Incident Date Saturday, August 28, 2021
Most Recent Reflection
View all 2 ReflectionsMost merciful God, You hold each of us dear to Your heart. Hold all America’s Peace Officers and their families, who are afflicted or affected by the COVID-19 Virus, in Your loving arms and tenderly draw them into Your life, together with all others who are living with the COVID-19 Virus. Assure them that they are not alone, and give them courage and faith for all that is to come. Strengthen those who care for them and treat them, and guide those who do research. Forgive those who have judged harshly, and enlighten those who live in prejudice or fear. Nourish those who have lost sight of You, and heal the spirits of those who are broken. We pray this in the mighty and holy name of Jesus Christ, who suffered and died, and then rose from the dead to lead us into new life, now and forever. In Christ Jesus, I pray. Amen.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons [children] of God.” [Matthew 5:9 ESV]
Chaplain Steven R. Closs, D.Div, NCCA
Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers - USA
November 9, 2022
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