An Austin Independent School District police officer who was shot in the leg during a violent rampage last month has returned to active duty, officials said. Sgt. Val Barnes, who has been with the AISD police for 28 years, was shot near Northeast Early College High School and was hospitalized in stable condition following the incident on December 5.
Sgt Val Barnes returned to work yesterday! Sgt. Barnes was the officer who was shot @NortheastECHS in December. We are so tremendously grateful for the outpouring of love, support, and prayers that carried Sgt. Barnes through his speedy recovery.#cantkeepagoodmandown@AustinISD pic.twitter.com/6ymTkl4obY
— Austin ISD Police (@AISDPolice) January 23, 2024
Sgt. Barnes, a 22-year US Army veteran, resumed his duties on Monday, remarking in December, "I’m just glad it was me, and not any of our kids." Being the first victim in the spree that claimed six lives across Austin and San Antonio, his resilience and commitment to his community have not gone unnoticed, according to the FOX 7 Austin.
The department shared on social media, "We are so tremendously grateful for the outpouring of love, support, and prayers that carried Sgt. Barnes through his speedy recovery." This sentiment was initially expressed in a post from the AISDPolice official account, celebrating Sgt. Barnes's return and community support with the hashtag #cantkeepagoodmandown.
