Male Officer Dies after Battle with Metastatic Breast Cancer
The Garland, Texas, Police Department recently announced the passing of Detective Tommy Barnes, who died after a battle with metastatic breast cancer.
Barns served his community for 17 years.
Garland PD described him as a fighter who remained steadfast in his faith, dedicated to his wife and family, and committed to his work.
Breast cancer in men, although rare, is a significant health concern that can affect men of all ages. According to researchers at Columbia University, breast cancer in men accounts for about 1% of all breast cancer cases, and approximately 2,600 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in men each yearβ.
Detective Barnes was surrounded by his loving wife, family, and close friends at the time of his passing. He began his career with the Garland Police Department in October 2006 as a Lateral Police Officer, where he served in various capacities including Patrol, the Neighborhood Police Officer Unit, and as a Detective focusing on property crimes. Barnes was also a member of the department’s Honor Guard and Bicycle Unit.
Throughout his career, Barnes was recognized for his exceptional service and dedication. He received 29 certificates of Merit, nine Merit Bars, two Officer of the Month Awards, and numerous letters of appreciation. The department praised him as an extraordinary, spiritual, and loving individual who led by example.
Before joining the Garland PD, Barnes served in the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne Division from 1989 to 1993, participating in Desert Storm operations in Kuwait and southern Iraq. His military honors include the National Defense Service Medal, the Southwest Asia Service Medal with Bronze Service Star-2, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the M16 Sharpshooter Badge, the Parachutist Badge, the Kuwait Liberation Medal-Saudi Arabia, the Combat Infantry Badge, and the Army Service Ribbon.
Following his military service, Barnes worked as a Correctional Officer in Crest Hill, Illinois, and later as a police officer at Joliet Junior College. He also served as a police officer in Ardmore, Oklahoma, for two years before joining the Garland Police Department.
Detective Barnes is survived by his wife of 30 years, three children, and one grandson. The department expressed their deep sorrow and gratitude for his life of service, stating, "Detective Tommy Barnes, thank you for your life of dedication to others and thank you for being a living example for which we ought to become. We miss you, we love you, and we have it from here. Rest in Peace, sir."
