Press Releases

Congressman David Scott, U.S. Postal Service Announce Ceremony Renaming Riverdale Post Office in honor of Major Gregory E. Barney

On Saturday, October 22, 2016, Congressman David Scott will join the Barney Family, U.S. postal officials, and members of the community for a public ceremony designating the Riverdale Post Office Church Street Station in honor of fallen officer Major Gregory E. Barney.

WHO:             Congressman David Scott, the Barney Family, Senator Johnny Isakson, Congressman Lynn Westmoreland, U.S. Postal Service officials, Riverdale Mayor Evelyn Wynn-Dixon, Clayton County Commission Chairman Jeff Turner, Riverdale Police Chief Todd Spivey, and community members.

WHAT:          Ceremony designating the Riverdale Post Office, located at 6691 Church Street in Riverdale, Ga., as the “Major Gregory E. Barney Post Office Building.” 

WHEN:          Saturday, October 22, 2016, 11:00 a.m.

WHERE:       Riverdale Town Centre, 7210 Church Street, Riverdale, GA 30274

WHY:             On February 11, 2016, Major Barney, was shot and killed while giving chase to a suspect during a raid on an illegal drug operation.  Major Barney was a 25-year veteran of the Riverdale Police Department.  During 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 appointed Interim Chief.

“I am honored to pay tribute to Major Gregory E. Barney and his legacy with the renaming of the Riverdale Post Office in his honor,” said Congressman Scott. “Major Barney’s commitment to the Riverdale community and beyond makes this post office renaming a worthy salute. And it gives me great pleasure to invite all area residents to join me and the Barney family to celebrate Major Barney’s exceptional record of service.”

Congressman Scott authored H.R. 4747, legislation designating the Riverdale Post Office in Major Gregory Barney’s honor. The legislation passed the House of Representatives unanimously on May 24, 2016, and also passed unanimously in the Senate on July 14, 2016.  President Barack Obama signed the measure into law on July 29, 2016.