nwasianweekly.com
Aug. 26, 2006

Photo provided by the Barber family

Joselito Barber, upon graduation from the Basic Law Enforcement Academy in January 2006.

“Lito, wherever you are, rest in peace. You will always be my first child and I’m so honored to be your mother.”—Emelita Barber, speaking at her stepson’s funeral
Mass on Aug. 21

Many reasons to mourn

Much was lost when Seattle officer Joselito “Lito” Barber died in the line of duty two weeks ago.

A Filipino American family grieves as it remembers a beloved son, brother, nephew and cousin, lost to a speeding driver who had just been released from prison. Engaged to be married, the 26-year-old also left behind a fiancée.

The city of Seattle lost a rookie officer who showed great promise. Even Police Chief Gil Kerlikowske couldn’t hold back tears when he learned of Barber’s death. Colleagues say Barber had all the makings of a great officer: the character, the intelligence, the heart and the desire to serve. It had been his dream to become a police officer.

The Asian American community also lost something in that tragedy: a role model. By all accounts, Lito Barber was a good kid. Outgoing and friendly, he cared deeply about his friends and family. He was also well liked and respected — you knew just by looking at him that he enjoyed life. He would have done the Asian community proud. If Barber had had the opportunity to serve out his entire career, we believe he would have inspired many Asian American youths to think about becoming police officers themselves.

That kind of role model is vital in the Seattle Police Department, whose officers need to reflect the diverse communities they serve. Barber was among the 8 percent of sworn Seattle officers who identify themselves as Asian. The number is close to, but still lower than the percentage of Asians and Pacific Islanders in the city — which, according to the 2000 census, is about 14 percent. The loss of Barber is the loss of a great ambassador for the Seattle Police Department.

Some kids drop out of school and waste their youths fooling around. Not Barber; it seems he did everything right. He did not deserve to die so young, and in such a terrible way. We share in the family’s sorrow.

We want to remind people who drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol that it’s not only your own life you are risking. You are putting in danger the lives of everyone around you. Always think about the consequences.

Let Lito Barber be the only example you need to know.

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Northwest Asian Weekly • P.O. Box 3468 • Seattle • WA  98114
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