Christopher Barnes
Christopher Barnes is a counselor in training. He is also a police officer who has spent more than twenty-five years working for the Montclair Police Department. Chris began his career in Montclair in 1996 as a civilian dispatcher, answering the public’s calls for service received through both non-emergency and 9-1-1 lines as well as dispatching police, fire, and emergency medical services. In 2000, Chris was sworn in as a police officer. In addition to working in patrol (Where he started and plans to finish his career), Chris has also been assigned to community policing-specific bureaus and was a detective in the Juvenile Aid Bureau. Prior to becoming a sworn police officer, Chris was a volunteer member of first aid and rescue squads in his home township of Woodbridge where he received certification as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). Chris maintained his EMT certification throughout most of his police career; this enabled him to serve as an American Heart Association CPR instructor, 9-1-1, and Emergency Medical Dispatch Instructor. Chris is also certified to teach at police academies, and has instructed recruits in First Responder training.
Like most police officers, Chris has had some unique experiences throughout the years. These experiences, along with a lot of diverse training opportunities, have inspired him to follow a path towards a second career in professional counseling. When the opportunity for higher education presented itself, Chris obtained his Bachelor’s of Science in Counseling Psychology from Faulkner University. He is currently nearing the end of his studies and anticipates graduation from Faulkner again, this time with his Master’s of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Chris plans to retire from police work in the near future and pursue a second career helping those who have found a calling in helping others.
Chris is happily married; he and his wife have two sons. In addition to spending time with his family, Chris also enjoys music, hiking, running, and auto mechanics.
