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SALT LAKE CITY — Since Officer Barney's death, there has been a uniformed officer by his body's side, as a way to show honor and respect.
Police Sgt. Nick Warrick was one of the officers and said giving up only six hours of his day to stand guard was nothing compared to the ultimate sacrificed made this weekend.
"We are there to honor him. We are there to pay our respects to him. He was our brother," Sgt. Nick Warrick said.
An email went out the day Officer Barney died asking police to give up their time. Warrick said dozens of officers responded, a reaction that was no surprise to the department.
He worked with Officer Barney for three years and said he was a good friend.
Wednesday night's vigil in Holladay was during his watch shift so he decided to do something special for Doug with the T.V. at the mortuary.
"I made sure to turn the volume up and let him listen," Warrick said. "I made sure and told him 'this is you they are talking about.'"
Sgt. Stanton Van Wagoner knew officer Barney for 18 years and has fond memories of him. He said he also jumped on the opportunity to stand by his friend's side.
"It was an honor to sit with him and guard his dignity and pay the respect that was due him," said Van Wagoner.
Police say there will be an officer by his side until the funeral on Monday.
