Webster Parish Sheriff’s Deputy Sgt. Aaron Barnes, who was seriously injured in an accident January 30 while directing traffic north of Dixie Inn, is the recipient of a donation from an organization of fellow law enforcement officers.
Sheriff Jason Parker was handed a check Thursday for $1,000 from the Minden Police Association (MPA) to help Barnes and his family with expenses incurred since a vehicle struck the deputy, sending him to a Shreveport hospital with numerous severe injuries.
“I know this check says Minden Police Association, but this is a fellow officer who might need a little help,” said Minden Police Dept. Lt. Joel Kendrick, MPA president. “We’re happy to be able to do this for him and his family, and we wish him a very speedy recovery.”
Barnes, whose injuries included a broken tailbone, broken nose, fractured ankle, severe lacerations to his forehead and lower body and road rash, underwent successful surgery in the days following the accident. His recovery has been progressing well, officials said, and he has been released from the hospital.
“We talk to him just about every day and he tells us he’s feeling better each day,” Sheriff Parker said. “He’s at home and is doing some walking, but he has to take it easy. It’s a blessing that he’s doing well, considering what happened.”
Barnes was standing beside his vehicle just outside the northbound lane on U.S. Hwy. 371 north of Dixie Inn, directing traffic when he was struck by a northbound Toyota SUV around 7 p.m. Louisiana State Police investigators are still working the incident. Witnesses said the truck did not appear to reduce speed before striking Barnes.
Parker said the MPA donation is “…a very generous gesture by our fellow law enforcement officers. We appreciate it very much and I know Aaron will be grateful for what they’ve done. It means a lot to all of us.”
Parker said the Sheriff’s Office is also planning a fundraiser to benefit Barnes early next month. Plans have not been finalized, but the Sheriff said a food favorite will be on the menu.