Emery County Sheriff’s Office Press Release
December 31 will mark the official retirement of Emery County Sheriff’s Office Detective John Barnett. Barnett started his life of public service in 1995 as a volunteer with Emery County Search and Rescue in Green River. He also drove ambulance for Green River EMS until being hired by ECSO in 1997.
Barnett worked as a dispatcher for six months before attending and graduating from Corrections Academy. He then worked as a jailer until the opportunity arose to attend Utah Peace Officer’s Standards and Training Academy. After graduating, Barnett worked in the jail until a patrol deputy position became available. In 2005, Barnett was promoted to the position of detective on the Emery County Drug Task Force. Barnett’s efforts with the Drug Task Force led to a number of drug and other major crime arrests. In 2010, Barnett moved from the full-time position on the Drug Task Force to a full-time detective position where he served the remainder of his career.
Barnett’s service to ECSO and the citizens of Emery County did not stop there. He continually worked to increase his knowledge and skills to enable him to better serve the public. He is a Certified HazMat Technician and has been a member of the Region 6 HazMat Team for many years. He is a rope rescue technician and member of the rope rescue team, and also a confined space technician. Additionally, Barnett is basic SWAT certified, Crisis Intervention Team certified and is a certified firearms instructor. Barnett’s certification as an active shooter instructor has been beneficial to the schools in Emery County as he has been involved in the planning and execution of yearly drills throughout the Emery School District. Barnett has also served for several years as Emery County’s State Liaison for the Statewide Information & Analysis Center (SIAC), and is a former part-time investigator for the Office of the Medical Examiner.
In addition to his knowledge, skills and certifications, Detective Barnett has always been one of those men you can count on to complete any assignment thoroughly and professionally. He has always shown respect for the people he served and was always sensitive to their feelings in difficult situations. He has been a great asset to the Emery County Sheriff’s Office and will be missed.
Barnett plans to continue in public service as he pursues a career in nursing at USU Eastern. Best wishes John on your next endeavor and THANK YOU for 21 years of dedicated service to ECSO and the citizens of Emery County.
