Public servants are more important than ever in the current coronavirus pandemic, yet, the Prince William County Police Department is losing its guiding member: Chief Barry Barnard.
Barnard, who has served Prince William County police for 44 years, with four of those years as chief, announced his retirement on May 13. He is the fourth chief of police to lead the department since its creation 50 years ago.
Barnard replaced outgoing chief Stephan Hudson who retired in June 2016. His final day as chief will be July 1, the 50th anniversary of the founding of the police force. Then, the department contained merely 42 people, now it contains hundreds of employees, including 673 officers.
His replacement has not yet been selected, but Deputy Chief Jarad Phelps will serve in the position until a new chief is found, according to a press release from the Prince William County Government.
Barnard, a Miami native who came to Virginia after receiving a degree in criminology from Florida State University, began his policing career in Alexandria. He then ventured to Prince William County for its opportunities, beginning what would be forty-four years of community service in 1976.
“[I became a police officer] to make a positive difference in the community,” said Barnard.
He was named Assistant Chief of Police in 2000 and then appointed Deputy Chief of Police in 2009 under former Chief Charlie T. Deane. Before formally becoming chief, Barnard led the department as acting chief of police in 2012 and 2016 after the retirements of former chiefs Deane and Hudson, respectively.
Once becoming chief, Barnard worked to increase diversity in the police department. Under his guidance, the department increased efforts to recruit from historically black colleges and universities.
During a community forum he hosted in 2016, Barnard acknowledged that ‘having a police department that mirrors the community is important’ as it improves cultural understanding.
His tenure, along with the tenures of many other police chiefs around the country, was confronted with a tougher challenge than increasing diversity: the tragic deaths of police officers. During his first year as chief, officer Ashley Guindon was shot and killed during her first day on the job after being called to a domestic situation in Dale City.
“Losing officers has a tremendous impact of course on the officer’s family, department, and community. It is a very sober time for any police department,” said Barnard.
Now at the end of his policing career, Barnard reflected on his time with the department. He described the thing he will miss most.
“[I will miss] the people and our mission: working to help and make some sort of contribution, using teamwork to keep the community safe, managing resources, working with people, and just meeting the challenges,” said Barnard.
Barnard has no plan to leave Prince William on his last day as chief, instead, he plans to spend time with his family.
“I want to thank PWC and the community for the opportunities that have been provided to me and my family. We are very grateful to live here and work at the department for many years. I give my heartfelt thanks to anyone who has supported the police department,” said Barnard.
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Icy Conditions Possible Wednesday Night – A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for Prince William County from 9 p.m. Wednesday to Noon Thursday, with freezing rain and sleet expected. VDOT crews are treating roads, but travel may be hazardous. Limit travel, prepare for icy spots, and stay updated on changing conditions.
The Prince William Board of County Supervisors voted Tuesday to cancel the long-debated Route 28 Bypass Project, ending years of planning and millions of dollars in studies and design work. The decision, which passed with a 5-3 vote, came after a contentious debate over the feasibility and cost of the project.
Initially estimated to cost more than $200 million, the road would have connected with Route 28 at a signalized intersection north of Bull Run Stream in Fairfax County. The plan to build the road, Alternative 2B, was the top recommendation from the 2017 Route 28 Corridor Feasibility Study. The project had received $89 million in funding from the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) as part of a broader effort to improve the county’s transportation infrastructure.
County transportation director Rick Canizales confirmed that the estimated cost had grown beyond available funding, requiring an additional $80–$100 million to proceed. “After taking all this into consideration and doing all the design work that we’ve done at this point, we come to the board and let you know that as staff, we believe that alternative 2B is not viable because we don’t have enough money and we don’t have enough support in some of the challenges we’re facing,” Canizales said.
For the first time, Manassas Mayor Michelle Davis Younger sat down for an exclusive interview with Potomac Local News as she begins her second term. In a candid conversation, she addressed the city’s stance on immigration enforcement, the future of development in downtown Manassas, the impact of potential state and federal funding cuts, and her vision for the next four years.
What’s next for Manassas? Will taxes go up? How will the city navigate potential financial challenges? And what’s her take on the now-canceled Route 28 Bypass project?
Get the full story in tomorrow’s edition—only on Potomac Local News. Stay tuned!
The Northern Virginia real estate market is shifting, with demand growing in Prince William, Stafford, Manassas, and Fredericksburg, outpacing Fairfax County. Mark Worrilow, a real estate expert with Fathom Realty, attributes this to affordability, improved commuting options, and enhanced quality of life. Homebuyers find better value in these areas without sacrificing convenience. Inventory is rising, offering more options for buyers, though competition remains strong. Interest rates have stabilized, leading more buyers to enter the market. Worrilow emphasizes the importance of working with an experienced realtor to navigate these trends and make informed real estate decisions in this evolving market.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
