Roll of Honor
Charles Herbert Barnhart
Incident
Patrolman Charles Barnhart succumbed to complications of a gunshot wound sustained on September 2nd, 1940, in front of the Cantwell Hotel at approximately 1:00 am.
A suspect who had recently been questioned by the Girardville police chief regarding the bombing of a railroad car encountered the chief inside the hotel and became involved in an argument with him. The man left the hotel, but returned approximately 45 minutes later and starting shooting a rifle at the hotel. Patrolman Barnhart, who was standing in front of the hotel, was struck in the leg.
He was transported to a local hospital where the wound eventually developed gangrene. His leg was amputated in an effort to save his life, but he passed away on September 23rd, 1940.
The subject was arrested by members of the Pennsylvania State Police two hours after the shooting. He was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to six to 12 years in prison.
Patrolman Barnhart, I am not sure if you are a recent LODD discovery or if somehow through the craziness of our everyday lives you slipped through the cracks of the frequent visitors on this amazing site. Either way, on this 80th anniversary of your untimely and heroic departure, I am incredibly honored to be the first of what I am sure will be many additional people to say thank you and to let you know that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten. Rest in peace always sir.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo Delaware State Police (Retired) September 23rd, 2020
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- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Barnhart served with the Girardville Borough Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Girardville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Barnhart.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Charles Herbert Barnhart 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 PA, 597 of 1,261 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 47.3% of this state's fallen. That is 6.9 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Charles Herbert Barnhart's cause is highlighted.
How Charles Herbert Barnhart Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 12 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Charles Herbert Barnhart is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Charles Herbert Barnhart was killed by rifle.