Media Center

Today, Congressman David Scott (GA-13) announced that the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform passed the bipartisan resolution (H.R. 4747) he introduced to rename the Riverdale, Georgia Post Office in honor of fallen police officer Major Gregory Barney.  The bill will now head to the House Floor for a full vote on Monday, May 23, 2016.  Congressman Scott and members of the Georgia Congressional delegation are also expected to speak on Monday on the House Floor in support of the bill.

“I am pleased the Committee recognized that Major Barney deserves a fitting tribute. And I now urge the full House of Representatives to pass this bill,” said Rep. Scott, who has represented Riverdale in Congress since 2003.  “Major Barney made the ultimate sacrifice for the protection of his community. The tremendous outpouring of support from the Riverdale residents and many people outside of Clayton County attest to his place in the hearts of a community.  Naming the Riverdale Post Office in his honor is just one way that we can recognize a man who is loved by his family, colleagues, friends and neighbors.”

On February 11, 2016, Major Barney, was shot and killed while giving chase to a suspect during a raid on an illegal drug operation. He was the first Riverdale police officer to die in the line of duty. Major Barney was a twenty-five year veteran of the Riverdale Police Department.  Over his career in Riverdale, Major Barney was a school resource officer at Riverdale High School, a sergeant and a captain. In 2004, Barney became the first African-American to serve as Chief of Police when he was appointed as interim chief.

In March 2016, Congressman Scott introduced H.R. 4747 with the bipartisan support of 10 members of the Georgia Congressional Delegation.  The measure will rename the post office located at 6691 Church Street in Riverdale, Georgia, as the ‘‘Major Gregory E. Barney Post Office Building.”  The Riverdale Post Office sits directly across Church Street from the city police headquarters where Major Barney reported for duty.  The bill was referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and passed the Committee during a full committee business meeting today.  H.R. 4747 now awaits passage by the full House of Representatives.