Efforts to rename a Riverdale post office after a policeman killed during a drug raid in February moved closer to becoming reality this week.
The U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform passed a bipartisan resolution introduced by Georgia Congressman David Scott on Tuesday. HR 4747 now heads to the House Floor on Monday for a full vote.
The measure seeks to rename the post office at 6691 Church Street in Riverdale after Maj. Greg Barney, a 25-year veteran with the Riverdale police department. If the bill passes, the post office would be renamed the ''Major Gregory E. Barney Post Office Building."
Barney was assisting the Clayton Police during a raid at a Riverdale apartment complex on Feb. 11 when he was shot and killed. Clayton Police shot the suspect Jerand Ross who later died. Barney is believed to be the first Riverdale police officer killed in the line of duty.
The post office is across the street from police headquarters and next to the apartment complex where Barney was killed.
“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.
In 2004, Barney became the first African-American to serve as Chief of Police when he was appointed as interim chief.
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