‘I thought he would always be here’
Slain officers honored with ‘homegoing’ ceremony at New Birth
by Andy Phelan
andy@dekalbchamp.com
The choir boomed, people stood in rapture and tears fell in silence while loved ones took to the pulpit and spoke from the heart about the tragic way the lives of two police officers ended last week in an apartment complex parking lot.
“I never thought he would be gone,” said LaToya Bryant, wife of slain DeKalb County Police Officer Ricky Bryant Jr., struggling to gain her composure at a memorial service at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia.
“I thought he would always be here.”
The pain as palpable Jan. 23 as thousands joined Bryant in mourning the loss of her husband and fellow officer Eric Barker, 34, who were gunned down in the early-morning hours Jan. 16 while working as off-duty security guards at Glenwood Gardens Apartments in south DeKalb.
Bryant had two years’ experience on the force, Barker had four. One of the officers died at the scene, while the other died en route to the hospital, authorities said. Both worked in the south precinct on Candler Road, and both were married for four children each.
Three suspects are being held in the case without bond – Mario O'Brian Westbrook, 31; Herbie DaShawn Durham, 32, William Maurice Woodward, 26 – all charged with two counts of murder.
Colin Barker, Eric’s brother, remembered his sibling as a man of integrity who was dependable, reliable and the rock of his family.
“When we needed his back, he was there,” said Barker. “He made family a big thing during the holidays – I appreciate that more now. We were supposed to grow old together.”
Police Chief Terrell Bolton, who called shooting deaths last week some of the most difficult days of his 25-plus year career, told the Bryant and Barker families he was angry at what happened.
“If I could have taken those bullets, I would have,” said Bolton. “If they were here today, they would say there is a message is this mess – and that’s don’t forget my family. This can’t happen ever again.”
CEO Vernon Jones, who said the healing began today, told the families they are part of the larger DeKalb family.
“Mrs. Barker, Mrs. Bryant, I am so sorry,” Jones said. “I am very, very sorry.”
Bishop Eddie Long, who gave the eulogy of both officers, donated $10,000 last week that was part of a more than $65,000 reward for information leading to arrests.
“I know these are very difficult times for both families,” he said. “The majority of us can not even begin to comprehend the pain, grief and sorrow they may be feeling during this time of bereavement.”
Bolton warned the crowd of a gathering storm in violent crime and re-emphasized his officers “walk the thin blue line,” a reference to the only thing that prevents society from descending into chaos and anarchy is a handful of police officers.
“It could happen to any of us at any time,” said Bolton. “Stop the senseless violence in our community.”
Police spokeswoman Mekka Parish said the department has set up a fund to help the Barker and Bryant families. Anyone who wants to donate can go to any Bank of America location and ask for the DeKalb County Police Officer Heroes Fund.
Special thanks were also given to Warrick Dunn of the Atlanta Falcons and Allen Rossumof the Pittsburgh Steelers who helped establish the account.
Meanwhile County Commissioner Larry Johnson will hold a candlelight prayer vigil on Sunday, Jan. 27 at 5:30 p.m. at the apartment complex where Bryant and Barker were killed, 4371 Glenwood Road.
“Officers Barker and Bryant will forever be in our thoughts and prayers,” said Johnson. “Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to the families of these fine young men, and we will ensure that the sacrifice of their lives will not be forgotten.”
For more information or any questions on the family fund, please call 770-724-7477. For more information on Johnson’s vigil, call 404-371-2425.
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