A Message of Gratitude to Chief Barnes

On behalf of the residents of District 11, I want to express our sincere appreciation to Chief Barnes for his exceptional leadership and service over the past four years. Throughout his tenure, he has guided the Madison Police Department through significant challenges, including addressing community concerns, civil unrest, and the complexities of a global pandemic.

We are also grateful for Chief Barnes' commitment to building strong relationships with our community through initiatives such as National Night Out, Coffee with a Cop, and youth-focused advisory boards. These efforts have fostered trust and created a safer, more connected city.

I wholeheartedly echo the sentiments of our Mayor regarding this week’s tragedy and Chief Barnes' remarkable leadership. As Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway stated today, "The tragedy this week has been all-consuming, and we still have much healing to do as a community. I’m grateful that the Madison Police Department responded to this unthinkable crisis with the utmost professionalism and compassion. Chief Barnes was at the center of coordinating local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies during an unprecedented moment. He did so admirably."

I also want to express our deep gratitude to all the first responders involved in the school shooting response. The coordinated efforts of law enforcement, fire departments, medical teams, and other responders were truly heroic. Their swift actions, professionalism, and unwavering dedication ensured the safety of students, staff, and the community. We are profoundly grateful for their service and sacrifices during this crisis.

As Chief Barnes prepares to transition to his new role as Chief of Police for the Seattle Police Department, we thank him for his unwavering dedication to Madison. His contributions have made a lasting impact on District 11 and the entire city. We wish him continued success in this next chapter of his career.