The Riverdale Post Office will officially become the Major Gregory E. Barney Post Office in a dedication ceremony Oct. 22.
Barney was shot and killed Feb. 11 after pursuing a suspect during a raid on an illegal drug operation at an apartment complex. The complex is next to the post office being renamed for Barney. 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.
The Barney family as well as a host of dignitaries including U.S Rep. David Scott, U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson, Riverdale Mayor Evelyn Wynn-Dixon, Commission Chairman Jeff Turner, Riverdale Police Chief Toddy Spivey and U.S. Postal Service officials are expected to attend the 11 a.m. dedication ceremony. The ceremony will be at the Riverdale Town Centre, 7210 Church Street in Riverdale.
"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 Scott who pursued legislation to rename the post office for Barney. "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."
The legislation passed the House of Representatives unanimously on May 24 and also passed unanimously in the Senate on July 14. President Barack Obama signed the measure into law on July 29, 2016.
The post office is at 6691 Church Street in Riverdale.
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