Roll of Honor
Jerry Van Barber
Incident
Deputy Jerry Barber was struck and killed by a drunk driver while assisting a Jacksonville police officer during a traffic stop on Johnson Boulevard. Deputy Barber was struck as he returned to his patrol car. He was transported to Onslow Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead. The suspect was arrested at the scene and charged with DWI and vehicular manslaughter. Deputy Barber had been with the agency for a total of four years and had previously served with the United States Air Force.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two-and-a-half-year-old daughter, parents, and six siblings.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NC-3A8E726C- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Deputy Sheriff Barber gave the Onslow County Sheriff's Office 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Jacksonville community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Jerry Van Barber served in the Air Force (1968â1972) before joining law enforcement.
Deputy Sheriff Jerry Van Barber is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In NC, 385 of 664 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 58% of this state's fallen. That is 3.8 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Onslow County Sheriff's Office, 1 of 3 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 33.3% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Jerry Van Barber's cause is highlighted.
How Jerry Van Barber Compares
Offender Outcome
Charged with manslaughter
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Jerry Van Barber is highlighted in Nov.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Jerry Van Barber was killed by automobile; alcohol involved.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Onslow County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
