In Memory of Senior Deputy Phillip Barron, Jr.

On Friday, September 24, 2021, the Victoria County Sheriff’s Office announced to residents that their department had lost one of its deputies to COVID19. Senior Deputy Phillip Barron, Jr., badge number 546, passed away due to complications of the virus. He likely contracted the illness while on duty. Barron had been serving as the school resource officer at Liberty Academy. Deputy Barron was 54 years old.

Deputy Phillip Barron served his community for the past eight years with the Victoria County Sheriff’s Office. Before joining that department, Barron had served with the Victoria Police Department for over 25 years. Barron is the fifth officer in Victoria County’s history to die in the line of duty.

Texas, COVID19, and Law Enforcement

Texas has been hit harder than any other state in the number of losses experienced in the ranks of law enforcement from the COVID19 virus. Some occupations are at a much higher risk of contracting the virus or keep from being exposed. First responders, police, front-line workers – all are occupations at higher risk.

Texas has more than 100 state or privately-owned prisons, correctional facilities, or state-run institutions. The numbers show that the state has one inmate for every 100 residents in the state. Unfortunately, these facilities were never designed to accommodate situations of social distancing, which puts both the inmates and the officers who provide security at risk.

Still, each day, officers in Texas and those in corrections put on their badges to protect the community they serve despite the risk to themselves or their families. So far, in 2021, the US has lost more than 200 officers to the virus; more than 50 lives were lost in Texas.

Victoria County Sheriff’s Office, Texas

Deputy Baron chose to spend his entire life protecting residents in Victoria County, Texas. Victoria County is known for its beautiful architecture and the Romanesque revival design of the county’s courthouse. The deputies with the Victoria County Sheriff’s Office provide security for the courthouse, civil service and manage the county jail.

VCSO is a full-service law enforcement agency. Its jurisdiction covers 889 square miles and helps to provide protection and other services to more than 87,000 residents. The county is named for Guadelupe Victoria or Our Lady of Guadelupe. Nearby Guadelupe River derives its name from her as well. In 1722 the first Spanish settlers came into the area; the county was founded in 1836.

Remembrances

Senior Deputy Phillip Barron, Jr., leaves behind his wife and three children. Residents of Victoria County will help to honor their loss by bringing flowers and cards to the department and lining the streets as Deputy Barron is escorted to his final resting place. In addition, the honor guards from around the area will work together to make sure that the Barron family can feel the community’s gratitude for the sacrifice made by Deputy Barron on behalf of everyone.

Sheriff Justin Marr with the Victoria County Sheriff’s Office shared the loss with residents on Facebook. “It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart I share with you the news that our brother, Senior Deputy Phillip Barron, has passed away. Please keep Phillip’s family and the VCSO family in your prayers during this very difficult time. We will pass along visitation and funeral arrangements as they become available.”

Mallory Vasquez, a resident of Victoria, shared her condolences. “One of the best men I ever got the chance to meet. He shaped the lives of so many people. He was everyone’s Uncle. Continued prayers for the Barron family.”