Man stands outside courthouse to honor fallen deputy

Table of Contents

Waving outside the Blount County Justice Center, you will find the American Flag. A common thing for many people who pass by, but some days you will find more than one. Including one in the hands of Patrick Barlow from Blount County.

Barlow served in the Air Force National Guard for over 20 years. Since the day after Blount County Deputy Justin Mowery died in the line of duty, a few hours a day, Patrick is outside the justice center, standing with an American Flag.

"These people (law enforcement) are out here every day, every night, good weather, bad weather, watching over us, making sure things are okay, and I just want them to know that we respect that and appreciate it," Barlow said.

It's not the first time he has stood to honor a fallen officer. In 2016, when Maryville Police Officer Kenny Moats died in the line of duty, Patrick was there providing support.

"Try to get people that are on the street to take a moment to think about each day, and then after the funeral is done, we remember them," Barlow said.

Patrick carries the memories of Officer Moats and fallen Blount County Deputy Greg McCowan each day with him in the form of challenge coins.

"It gives me extra strength. I've got a few years on me, I start getting tired, and this is extra power," Barlow said.

It's something that he hopes to pass on to the next generation, like 7-year-old Kreston Bryant.

"We saw his (Deputy Mowery) car yesterday, and my mom, she said, 'Do you wanna come visit it tomorrow?' And then I said, 'Yeah.'" Bryant said.

While leaving flowers at Deputy Mowery's memorial, Patrick passed on a flag for Kreston.

"It's really cool," Bryant said.

"Freedom is not free, this has been proved this week, and when our law enforcement, our firefighters, everyone, when they get out and go to work, there's no guarantee they'll come home, so I thank them and thank their families," Barlow said.

A simple act, passing respect forward.