Madison native Derek Barrs was promoted to the rank of Major with the Florida Highway Patrol effective Oct. 30. He currently resides in St. Augustine. Barrs has a history with law enforcement here in Madison and feels “blessed” to have gotten his start at the age of 18 at the Sheriff’s Office with Sheriff Joe Peavy. Barrs has worked for dispatch and as a correctional officer at the Sheriff's Department, and he also served as a road patrol in Madison. Barrs was also the school resource officer for the department. In 2001, Barrs became part of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and Motor Carrier Compliance. He was promoted to lieutenant in 2003 and moved to St. Augustine; during this position, Barrs worked in DeLand, covering Volusia, Flagler and Seminole counties. In 2008, Barrs moved to Tallahassee after being promoted to Captain. As Captain, Barrs worked in Lake City and Tallahassee for 14 months. In the beginning of 2010, Jackonville became Barrs' next destination as Captain.
Now Barrs' career path takes him back to DeLand, where he will be working as Troop Commander for the South Florida Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Operations and covering from DeLand all the way down to the Key West and Tampa areas. Barrs commented that he is very fortunate for his wife, Robin, and his parents, as they have never stopped supporting him throughout his career changes. He and his wife have one daughter, Bentley, age 14, and one son, Brett, age 18. His parents, Penny and Junior Barrs, still live in Madison, and his wife's family resides in Cherry Lake. Barrs is looking forward to working in DeLand. “It's going to be different,” said Barrs. “[I'm] excited for new challenges ahead and the good things we can do.” On Friday, Oct. 16, there was a ceremony celebrating Barrs' promotion held at the Jacksonville Florida Highway Patrol at 11 a.m. Members of law enforcement, family and friends gathered to congratulate Barrs. Several alumni members also joined the celebration: Director Sam Williams, Director Chris Strickland, Lt. Larry Durden and Regional Manager of Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater's Office Patrick J. Juliano.
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1. Derek Barrs
2. Photo Submitted. Derek Barrs' family proudly attended the pinning ceremony to congratulate Barrs. Pictured, from left to right, are: Jenny Aldridge (sister), Kim Cunningham (sister), Junior Barrs (father), Penny Barrs (mother), Derek Barrs, Robin Barrs (wife), Cindy Gaylard (mother-in-law) and Ervin Gaylard (father-in-law).
3. Photo Submitted. Junior and Penny Barrs placed Major Barrs’ new Major rank insignias on his uniform during the ceremony. Pictured, from left to right, are: Junior Barrs, Derek Barrs and Penny Barrs.