Utah House honors fallen Officer Douglas S. Barney II, recognizes wounded Officer John Ritchie; Sen. Orrin Hatch addresses chamber

The Utah House of Representatives paused its legislative business on Feb. 16, 2016, to present a formal citation honoring Officer Douglas S. Barney II and to recognize Officer John Ritchie, who was injured in the incident that killed Barney. Representative DeCaro introduced the citation and recounted Barney’s biography and service to the state.

“In recognition of the exemplary life of a hero, the Utah House of Representatives and Senate pay tribute to Douglas S. Barney the second,” Representative DeCaro said while presenting the citation to the family. The citation noted Barney’s law-enforcement career, service as a school resource officer and that he “was killed in the line of duty” on Jan. 17, 2006.

Members from across the chamber offered condolences and personal remembrances. Representative Arrant described the large community vigil and Barney’s long career; Representative Moss and Representative Hall also spoke about the family’s loss and community gratitude. Representative Romero highlighted Officer John Ritchie’s career and asked the House to join in wishing him a full recovery after he was wounded in the same incident.

The House resolved itself into the committee of the whole to welcome U.S. Senator Orrin Hatch, who praised the tribute and used remarks to summarize recent Senate achievements on trade and infrastructure and to address the chamber on national matters including the pending Supreme Court vacancy. "It's always wonderful to be back in our home state of Utah," Hatch said, praising state legislators for their work and saying the Senate must strive for fair procedure on judicial nominations.

The presentations concluded with the citations to the Barney family and public expressions of appreciation for Utah law‑enforcement officers. The House then returned to regular business.