New York J 1404: Mourning the death of Sergeant Nigel Keith Barnett, Jr., devoted father, distinguished law enforcement leader, and courageous public servant

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J01404 Summary:

BILL NOJ01404 

&nbsp

SAME ASNo Same As

&nbsp

SPONSORHARCKHAM

&nbsp

COSPNSR

&nbsp

MLTSPNSR

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&nbsp

Go to top J01404 Actions:

BILL NOJ01404 

&nbsp

01/12/2026REFERRED TO FINANCE

01/21/2026REPORTED TO CALENDAR FOR CONSIDERATION

01/21/2026ADOPTED

Go to topJ01404 Committee&nbspVotes:

Go to topJ01404 Floor&nbspVotes:

There are no Assembly votes for this bill in this legislative session.

Go to topJ01404 Text:

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 Barne