FORNEY, Texas — In a proclamation on Tuesday night, Forney Mayor Rick Wilson proclaimed October 31, 2016, as Rick Barnes Day in the City of Forney.
FORNEY, Texas — In a proclamation on Tuesday night, Forney Mayor Rick Wilson proclaimed October 31, 2016, as Rick Barnes Day in the City of Forney.
Barnes, who has served the Forney Police Department for 37 years and most recently as its chief of police, announced his retirement earlier this year which will be effective October 31, 2016. A retirement ceremony is scheduled for Friday, October 21, 2016, at 3 p.m. at the Forney Municipal Courtroom.
“I want to thank my family, especially for the first 25 years,” stated Barnes. “I worked days and night trying to keep it together. I never thought I’d last this long.”
“I want to thank all the people I have worked with,” he said. “The ones that are here now and the ones that are gone.”
“There have been over 250 people who have worked at the Forney Police Department since I’ve been there,” he said.
“I want to thank you, from the bottom of my heart,” Barnes said looking to the many police officers and department employees who were in attendance of the meeting. “It’s been a hell of a ride.”
Following an executive session on Tuesday night, the council voted 7-0 to authorize the city manager to prepare a retirement gift for Barnes.
The proclamation reads:
“Whereas, Rick Barnes, Chief of the Forney Police Department, officially retires on October 31, 2016, after thirty-seven (37) years of outstanding and meritorious service to the residents of the City of Forney; and
Whereas, Rick joined the Forney Police Department in 1979, and as a result of the diligent work and demonstrated ability, he advance through the ranks to his final and most important position as Forney’s “Chief of Police” in 1987; and
Whereas, Rick played an integral part in the construction of the new Forney Justice Center in 2009; and
Whereas, throughout his thirty-seven years of service, Rick has also been an integral link to our Office of Emergency Management, and has seen the City though several serious situations, such as the EF-3 tornado that struck the City in 2012. Rick has served as an example to his peers, the residents of this community, this county and this State, both in his personal achievements and employment achievements, with fairness and dedication;
Now, Therefore, I, Rick Wilson, Mayor of the City of Forney, on behalf of the members of the City Council, do hereby proclaim October 31, 2016, as Rick Barnes Day in the City of Forney and take this opportunity to express our sincere and grateful appreciation for his service to the community. We herby extend to Rick Barnes our congratulations on his well-earned retirement, and express our best wishes to him for continued success, happiness, and good health in the years to come.
In Witness Whereof, I have set my hand and official seal this 18th day of October 2016, Rick Wilson, Mayor.”
