Senate Resolution No. 1404

BY: Senator HARCKHAM

MOURNING the death of Sergeant Nigel Keith
Barnett, Jr., devoted father, distinguished law
enforcement leader, and courageous public servant

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor the lives of exceptional individuals of the State of New York
whose service, leadership, and character have left a lasting and
meaningful impact upon their families, professions, and communities; and

WHEREAS, Sergeant Nigel Keith Barnett, Jr., a dedicated member of
the New York State Police and a proud native of Poughkeepsie, New York,
died on September 16, 2025, at the age of 49, leaving behind a legacy of
honor, service, and devotion; and

WHEREAS, Born on November 26, 1975, Sergeant Barnett was the
cherished son of Nigel Keith Barnett, Sr. and Esmie (McNeil) Barnett,
and was raised with strong values of discipline, perseverance, faith,
and commitment to family and community; and

WHEREAS, Sergeant Barnett began his academic journey at Our Lady of
Lourdes High School in Poughkeepsie, New York, where he distinguished
himself as a student-athlete, excelling in football, and later earned
his associate's degree from Dutchess Community College in 1999; and

WHEREAS, In 2002, he answered the call to public service by
beginning his law enforcement career as a correctional officer with the
Dutchess County Jail, demonstrating professionalism and dedication that
would define his career; and

WHEREAS, In 2006, Sergeant Barnett joined the New York State Police,
graduating from the New York State Police Academy and receiving his
field training in Troop K at SP New Lebanon, before being permanently
assigned to Troop K at SP Wappingers; and

WHEREAS, With a strong desire to lead and mentor others, he pursued
a supervisory role and was promoted to Sergeant in 2020, serving as a
Line Sergeant in Troop F at SP Liberty, where his leadership and
excellence were widely recognized; and

WHEREAS, In 2023, Sergeant Barnett was honored with the Supervisor
of the Year Award for Troop F, Zone 3, a testament to his exceptional
leadership, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to those under
his command; and

WHEREAS, In 2024, Sergeant Barnett was promoted to Station Commander
of SP Highland in Troop F, and later transferred back to Troop K as
Station Commander at SP Cortlandt, where he served with distinction at
the time of his passing; and

WHEREAS, Sergeant Station Commander Barnett proudly dedicated 19
years of honorable service to the New York State Police, earning the
respect, admiration, and friendship of colleagues across the State; and

WHEREAS, Beyond his professional accomplishments, Sergeant Barnett
was a devoted man of faith and an active member of The Gathering at
Faith Assembly in Poughkeepsie, where his spirit, kindness, and
commitment to fellowship were deeply valued; and

WHEREAS, He embraced life with enthusiasm and joy, enjoying
motorcycling, dirt bike riding, hiking, mountain biking, reading, video
gaming, and physical fitness, yet his greatest happiness was always
found in time spent with his family; and

WHEREAS, Sergeant Nigel Keith Barnett, Jr. is survived by his
beloved son, Nigel Barnett III; his parents, Nigel Keith Barnett, Sr.
and Esmie Barnett; his sisters, Katisha Barnett and Marcia Barnett; his
brother-in-law, Ainsley Wheeler; his partner, Kristin Denu, and her
daughters, Giavanna and Londyn White; his stepson, Esteban "Pookie"
Martinez; his nieces and nephews, including Alasia Wheeler, Annmarie
Wheeler, Ainsley Wheeler Jr., Denzel Wheeler, and Zion Moore; his
great-nephew and great-niece, Jasaan Wheeler-Ward and Harmony Wheeler;
and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, and
friends who will forever cherish his memory; and

WHEREAS, Known for his integrity, leadership, warmth, and unwavering
devotion to duty, Sergeant Barnett exemplified the highest ideals of law
enforcement and public service, touching countless lives through his
professionalism, mentorship, and compassion; and

WHEREAS, Though his life was tragically cut short, Sergeant Nigel
Keith Barnett, Jr. lived with purpose and honor, leaving an enduring
legacy of courage, faith, and love that will continue to inspire all who
knew him; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Sergeant Nigel Keith Barnett, Jr., and to honor his
exemplary life and distinguished service to the State of New York; and
be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Sergeant Nigel Keith Barnett, Jr.