Red Lake Conservation Officer, Shannon "Opie" Barron, dies after answering police call

RED LAKE, MN - July 8, 2019 - It is with the great sadness and sorrow in announcing the passing of Conservation Officer, Shannon "Opie" Barron, age 48 Badge #32. Officer Barron passed away late last night after suffering a medical emergency shortly after responding to a call of service north of Red Lake just off of Highway 89 involving an incident where there was suspected illegal harvesting. He was nearing the end of his shift when the call came out and being the officer he was it was not a question if he would go, it was where was the call and he was on his way.

Officers had just cleared the call for service when officer Barron requested EMS to his location after not feeling well. Officers on scene immediately performed live saving measures until officer Barron was transported to the Red Lake Indian Health Service Hospital where they continued resuscitative efforts but were unsuccessful. His body will be transported to the Ramsey County Coroner's office to determine his cause of death. He was escorted to the Coroner's office by Red Lake officers who were joined by a number of law enforcement agencies during his transport.

Even to the last moment, officer Barron gave his life in protecting the resources belonging to the people of Red Lake Nation. There are countless stories where Opie would show up out of the blue to back up officers regardless on the type of call they faced even though not called upon. He was a staunch defender when it came to protecting the natural resources of the nation and constantly stood side by side with the officers in the department regardless of the type of call it was. In addition, he was also gravely concerned about his younger fellow officers when it came to officer safety and was always one of the first to point out his officer safety concerns and often offered advice on how they could improve their response in protecting themselves and/or handling a situation.

Officer Barron began his career with the Red Lake Department of Public Safety in March of 2000 as a Conservation Officer. He graduated from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (Indian Police Academy) in Artesia, NM and served in the Red Lake Department of Public Safety as a Conservation Officer for 19 years and will always be remembered in his legacy.

He leaves behind his wife, two children, aunt who raised him and numerous relatives. Funeral arrangements and services will be announced at a later date.

Chairman Darrell Seki. Sr. ordered all flags to be flown at half-staff until further notice.