Among the tributes that have been made to honor Sergeant Barry Henderson in recent days came from the under the Gold Dome, thanks to Polk County’s State Senator.

Sen. Jason Anavitarte (R-Dallas) proposed a resolution honoring Henderson during the session and is moving ahead with plans to get the intersection of Highway 278 and Highway 101 in Rockmart named after the Polk County Sheriff’s Office sergeant who died of COVID-19 earlier in the month.

The resolution honoring Henderson received 20 different co-sponsors in the senate and opens:

“WHEREAS, the State of Georgia lost one of its finest citizens and most dedicated law enforcement officers with the untimely passing of Sergeant Barry Henderson on March 9, 2021; and WHEREAS, Sergeant Henderson was highly regarded by the citizens of his community and state and by local government officials as a person of unquestioned integrity and dedication to the sound principles of law enforcement…” and continues onward to say

“He will long be remembered for his inspiring commitment to the welfare of others, which stands as a shining example of the positive effect law enforcement professionals have on the lives and well-being of others.”

The intersection in the resolution (full version is available here) would officially rename the intersection the “Sergeant Barry Henderson Memorial Intersection.”

Signs would also be put up by DOT to honor Henderson.

It was a tribute that Anavitarte was happy to provide after the long years of service that Henderson gave to the community.

“The intersection renaming is to honor the life of a very beloved gentleman in the Polk County and West Georgia community that served with honor, dignity, and character every single day,” Anavitarte said. “The contributions and sacrifices that Sgt. Barry Henderson made should be remembered for generations to come.”

That was echoed by Sheriff Johnny Moats, who offered his appreciation for Anavitarte’s efforts.

“I’m excited and thankful that State Senator Jason Anavitarte is putting in the effort to honor Sgt. Henderson,” Moats said. “It will be a reminder of all the work and effort Barry put into making Polk County and better place. I hope the community will continue to make a difference in his memory in a positive way.”

The 50-year-old sergeant lived in Rome, was a Polk County native, and spent many years with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and most recently was assigned to the Gang Investigation Unit within the department.