Published: February 01, 2008 11:05 pm            

Trooper laid to rest

Family, friends and law enforcement mourn the loss of Daniel Barrett.

LOGANSPORT — Indiana State Trooper Daniel Barrett was laid to rest Friday, five days after he died in a single-vehicle crash on U.S. 31 in Fulton County.

During services at First Assembly of God in Logansport, family, friends and fellow officers mourned the 25-year-old’s death. The gallery was sea of blue as police officers from around the state filled most of the pews.

Before the ceremony began, two roommates from the State Police Academy talked about the Daniel they knew. Trooper Dustin Bell, now stationed at the Redkey Post, roomed with Daniel for 15 weeks.

“He’d go out of his way to do anything for you,” Bell said. “He’s the nicest guy you could ever meet. He helped me out a lot with everything we had to do in the academy, getting through bookwork and keeping each other encouraged.”

Trooper Andrew Forgey out of the Seymour Post had similar memories.

“We had some good times and some good laughs,” Forgey said. “He helped me out with Spanish class in the last couple of weeks there. He really knew his Spanish, so he definitely helped us out with that.”

In the church’s hallway, two posters displayed snapshots of Barrett’s life. In one photo, Barrett held a large-mouth bass. In another, he knelt beside a deer. Another photo captured Barrett proudly showing his ISP badge.

As they talked about his life, members of Barrett’s family confirmed that he enjoyed fishing, hunting and being a state trooper. His sister, Laura, spoke to Daniel.

“Daniel, you weren’t just a little brother,” she said. “You were my best friend growing up. You always came to my rescue and protected me. Daniel, you are my hero, and you are my heart. I love you so much.”

Other speakers included ISP Superintendent Paul Whitesell, Father Daniel Coffey and the Rev. Tim McKaig.

Whitesell noted Daniel’s dedication to his job.

“He was willing to extend himself beyond his comfort zone and refused to turn a blind eye to a high-speed violator in the darkness,” Whitesell said. “He was doing his part to carry on the long-standing excellence of the Indiana State Police, an agency he had long desired to join.”

Late one night as Whitesell was making selections from Barrett’s recruiting class, the superintendent said Daniel’s application stood out among hundreds.

“I could tell the position was a calling to him, not just a job,” Whitesell said. “He had an enthusiasm that escapes the uninspired that trades time for a salary.

“I didn’t have him long. I am tremendously proud to have had him at all,” Whitesell said.

With his mother, father and two brothers at her side, Laura bent down and kissed her brother one last time.

        

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