Though our family, friends, and the community have been deeply saddened by his loss, we are left with memories of a life well lived.
Rock, had a deep personal commitment to the City of Gardner that remained with him throughout his life. He was especially proud to be a Gardner Police Officer and perhaps his two favorite positions were as a beat cop and being the first community police officer.
He had a special passion for imparting fairness and good humor to almost all that crossed his path. He leaves behind a legacy of honesty, integrity compassion and loyalty.
As we cried and laughed our way through his memorial service, we were reminded there are special people who impact our lives, who teach us more than we could ever have learned in a classroom, ultimately making us the best version of ourselves.
Rock taught us that positivity beats negativity any day; gratefulness is a compelling lifestyle, even in the face of great challenge. Courage trumps fear, laughter beats anger and giving to... far outweighs... taking from.
Remembering what mattered most to Rock has become his legacy and a map for all of us he left behind. Our lives are filled with his memories, his imprint is everywhere. Life isn't meant to be easy, it is meant to be lived. The purpose of life is not to be happy it is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate...to have it make a difference that you lived
It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men that died, rather we should thank God that such men lived. George Patton
About The Solid as a Rock Foundation
In the early years of his career, Rock would occasionally jump out of his cruiser, grab a sled and go sliding with local children. Back then spending patrol time having fun got him in trouble. It seems now that he was just a bit ahead of his time.
Years later, this engagement became known as community policing. Deputy Chief Barrieau and Officer Robert Beaton became Gardner's first community policing team. They would show outdoor movies, play capture the flag, and of course go sledding. These activities are now part of a nationwide effort to prevent crime through community connections.
The Solid as a Rock Foundation was created in memory of Deputy Chief Rock Barrieau after his passing in February of 2017. All the donations made to his Foundation will fund youth programs, community events and scholarships in the Greater Gardner Area.