05: Chris Barett, 3am Shootout Leaves Officer Paralyzed

In the early morning hours of May 6, 1979, Officer Chris Barrett of the El Segundo Police Department responded to a call at a local bar regarding a man with a gun.

Within minutes after arriving on scene, Officer Barrett was fighting for his life.

The suspect shot Officer Barrett one time, but because of his will to survive along with his training, he was able to return fire and kill the suspect.

As a result of being shot, Officer Barrett was paralyzed and has been for 43 years.

Although he was unable to continue working as a police officer, Chris had a long and successful career in the private sector.  

He also spent time as an instructor for the California Specialized Training Institute (CSTI) in Central California.

He volunteers his time with the El Segundo Police Department by sharing his story with community members enrolled in the Department’s Citizen Police Academy.

Chris received the Medal of Valor from the El Segundo Police Department for his actions in the early morning hours of May 6, 1979.

It is the highest award bestowed upon members of the El Segundo Police Department.

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