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XPD officer retires, rejoins city

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XENIA — Fred Barker retired after responding to his last call as a police officer with the Xenia Police Division on Nov. 12, but he isn’t going far.

Barker will continue to use his years of experience and passion for the Xenia community in his new role as code enforcement officer.

Barker is a 30-year veteran of the police force. In 1990 he received his Ohio Peace Officer certification after serving three years in the Army. He was stationed at Fort Bragg, N.C. as a member of the elite force Army Airborne, learning tactical skills that prepared him for his career with the Xenia Police Division. During his career, Barker accepted many special assignments including serving as a member of the Special Events Team, SWAT, Drone Team, bike patrol, an armorer, BAC operator, field training officer, evidence technician, fire arms instructor, MP5 instructor, and defensive tactics instructor.

Barker received many commendations and letters of appreciation recognizing his highly professional and selfless conduct, commitment to excellence and performance throughout his career. He is a three-time recipient of the Meritorious Service Award for his attempts to save the lives of others and a two-time recipient of the Distinguished Service Award for his outstanding acts of heroism at the risk of his own personal safety. Barker received the 2008 Leadership Award for his continued leadership and display of solid values and consistent behavior in all aspects of his work. In 2015 Barker was the recipient of the most prestigious award, the Casey Elliott Memorial “City’s Finest” Award for his many accomplishments in the Xenia Police Division and high degree of respect by his fellow team members.

“Officer Fred Barker is one of the most decorated officers I have had the pleasure of working with at the Xenia Police Division,” said Chief Randy Person. “We have benefited tremendously from Officer Barker’s skills, training, and knowledge of our community. But even more so we have benefited from his heart for the community and sense of fairness which he has conveyed to many of our younger officers he has trained over the years. We wish Fred the very best in the years to come.”

Even though citizens will no longer see him in the Xenia police uniform, Barker will continue to serve the citizens of Xenia with the same positive attitude and passion he has demonstrated for the last 30 years in his new role.

“Officer Barker’s work ethic, emotional intelligence, and experience are among the key reasons that he is a great fit for the code enforcement officer position,” said City Planner Brian Forschner. “I appreciate his years of service and look forward to working with such a dedicated professional.”

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