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Incident
Patrolman Lee Barker suffered a fatal heart attack while investigating a burglary in progress. While on patrol with another officer, Patrolman Barker went to check on one store and while passing a grocery store at the corner of Seventh and Triplett Streets discovered a burglary in progress. He asked two civilians to help him apprehend the burglars. As he was standing at the window they had broken to enter the store, there was breaking glass at the front of the store. Patrolman Barker started to turn in the direction of the noise, but he toppled over against the side of the store and then fell to the pavement Patrolman Barker had served with the Owensboro Police Department for two years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, six daughters, three sons, a brother, and two sisters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Barker gave the Owensboro Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Owensboro community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Barker.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Cardiac
Owensboro Police Department has lost 6 officers; 2 of them lost to cardiac events.
Lee is one of 44 officers lost to cardiac events in KY, 4.5% of the 984 remembered there.
Lee is one of 1,307 officers lost to cardiac events in the United States, 4.7% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Lee is one of 1,309 officers lost to cardiac events worldwide, 3.8% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1912, 1 officer in KY was lost to cardiac events, the 7th heaviest of 36 years on record. The heaviest was 2024, with 4.
In 1912, 1 officer in the United States was lost to cardiac events, the 122nd heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
In 1912, 1 officer worldwide was lost to cardiac events, the 122nd heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
Who
Lee was 62. Of the 41 lost to cardiac events in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 43 and 60; the middle age was 51. Lee had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 10 years.
Lee was 62. Of the 1,249 lost to cardiac events in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 43 and 55; the middle age was 48. Lee had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
Lee was 62. Of the 1,251 lost to cardiac events worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 42.5 and 55; the middle age was 48. Lee had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
When
February holds 18.2% of these deaths in KY, more than any other month. Wednesdays: 18.2%.
February holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; January holds the most, 9.6%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
February holds 8% of these deaths worldwide; January holds the most, 9.5%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
How
Cardiac deaths account for 33.3% of all 6 deaths at Owensboro Police Department, the 2nd most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 4.5% of all 984 deaths in KY, the 3rd most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 4.7% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 4th most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 3.8% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 4th most common cause.
His people
Owensboro Police Department has 6 officers remembered here, Lee among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 7-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Owensboro Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
