The Retired Guardians Fraternal Association is extremely proud to place Brother John McBarnette squarely in the beam of it’s February 2006 Spotlight.

John was born on July 26, 1926 in Manhattan. At a very early age John’s parents relocated to Grenada, West Indies, where John completed his education through high school. Upon returning to New York City, in 1946, at age 19, John received a New York State High School Equivalency Certificate and joined the US. Army. He served the majority of his military career in Adak, Alaska and the Aleutian Islands as an Administrative NCO and was honorably discharged in August 1947 at the rank of Tech Sergeant.

John became a member of the Transit Police Department on May 16, 1956 and served in nearly every patrol command with the exception of the Bronx. He began his career in the Rockaway Summer Squad and then worked, in either uniform or plainclothes, in Districts 3, 1, 4, 30, 20, 23, 24, 33, 34, CSPS, and Warrant Squad. John ended his illustrious 32 year career in 1988 in the rank of Lieutenant, as the Executive Officer of TPF (Tactical Patrol Force).

Of his many accomplishments, both during and after his law enforcement career, John is particularly proud of two. During his 32 years with the Transit Police Dept. John  received several commendations and was selected to work two one year stints at the Civil Service Commission, preparing Sergeants examinations, but he is extremely proud of his work in assembling the statistics and preparing the report that resulted in TPF receiving the Department Unit Citation. After retiring, John had a burning desire to do community work, giving back to those less fortunate. To fill that desire John became interested in the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), a national organization with a branch in Manatee County, Florida. The RSVP motto is “Sharing the Experience of a Lifetime”. In recognition of his several years of work, John is very proud to have been elected vice president of the branch and of receiving an award for “Outstanding Service & Dedication to the Principles & Ideals of RSVP”.

On a personal note, John credits the department in giving him the opportunity to continue his education. While a member of the department John earned a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice and a Masters Degree in Psychology, both from New York Institute of Technology

Following his retirement in 1988, John moved to Bradenton, Florida, where he still resides. His hobbies include gardening and travel. For those who know John and wonder if he continues his strenuous physical regimen, the answer is yes. He still runs 5 to 6 miles every morning and bicycles for exercise and pleasure. He states that he settled into a life that emphasizes the love of family and friends and camaraderie with fellow retirees from his long career of police service. John has 2 children, a son who resides in NYC and a daughter who lives in Wellington Florida with her husband. John can be reached by e-mail at eileensez@aol.com