KENT COUNTY, Mich. – A man of courage, faith, honor and respect; these are the qualities family and friends recall Deputy Jeffrey Barquist portraying throughout the 46 years he was alive.
Family, friends and the police department gathered at St. Pius Catholic Church, mourning the death of the Kent County Deputy. Barquist died of a heart attack shortly after getting married in the summer.
Jon Hess, Undersheriff of the Kent County Sheriff’s Department, has known Barquist throughout his entire career, wishing he could have had a chance to say goodbye.
“It’s very hard,” said Hess. “We’ll work together and hold each others hands. We’ll hug and try to do the best we can. It’s not easy.”
His sudden death is leaving many wishing they could just say one more sentiment to the man that meant so much to so many.
