Virginia Trooper dies during training

[jarobins]

VSP Mourns Loss of Trooper During Training Exercise in Louisa County
.by Virginia State Police on Tuesday, September 14, 2010

The Virginia State Police are mourning the line-of-duty death of one of their own this evening. Trooper Mark D. Barrett, 41, died Tuesday afternoon (Sept. 14, 2010) following a training exercise on Lake Anna. Trooper Barrett joined the state police in 2007 and graduated from the 114th Basic Session on July 3, 2008. He was assigned to patrol in Henrico County and the City of Richmond.

Trooper Barrett was also a member of the State Police Search and Recovery Team (SRT). He joined the specialty team in September 2009.

The SRT was conducting its annual in-service training this week and had spent the day in the southeastern portion of Lake Anna on the Louisa County side conducting deep-water dives. Shortly before 2 p.m., Trooper Barrett and his “dive buddy,” a fellow trooper, were conducting a training dive. As they were ascending, the dive buddy noticed Trooper Barrett was having difficulty. The dive buddy aided Trooper Barrett to the surface and immediately signaled for help from the other divers.

The divers lifted Trooper Barrett onto the SRT boat and administered CPR as the boat returned to shore. The Louisa County Volunteer Rescue Squad met the boat at the Lake Anna Beach Marina and continued medical aid. Trooper Barrett was transported to Henrico Doctors’ Hospital in Henrico County, where he died. His body has been transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for examination and autopsy.

“The entire Virginia State Police family is suffering from this tragic loss of such a hardworking and dedicated state trooper,” said Colonel W. Steven Flaherty, Virginia State Police Superintendent. “Diving was a great passion of his, and he was respected for his skill and aptitude for safety. We hold his family, his fellow troopers, and SRT members in our hearts and prayers during this difficult time.”

Trooper Barrett is survived by a wife and two children. He is a Chesterfield County native and graduate of Manchester High School. He also earned an associate’s degree

[Darin]

RIP Trooper

[Safety Steve]

RIP Brother. Your family will be in my prayers.

[Joeyd6]

Terrible news. Peace to the Trooper and his family.

[Trip]

My sincere condolences.

[GoDirectly2Jail]

Got the Flag order email earlier today from the Governor for half-staff through Friday. Condolences to the Trooper's family and Troopers everywhere.