On the morning of June 23, what began as a routine patrol for Lieutenant Adam Barnes of the University of Arkansas at Monticello’s University Police Department (UPD) quickly turned into a life-or-death mission.
While monitoring his radio, Lt. Barnes heard a call reporting a choking infant at an off-campus apartment near the UAM campus. Wasting no time, he arrived at the scene in less than a minute, where he was joined moments later by Monticello Police Officer Evans Ferguson.
With no ambulance available and seconds counting, the two officers made a split-second decision. Lt. Barnes moved the unresponsive infant into the back seat of Officer Ferguson’s patrol car. As Ferguson sped toward the nearest hospital, Barnes performed CPR and delivered back blows. By the time they arrived at the emergency room, the infant was breathing again.
In recognition of his life-saving actions, Lt. Barnes was awarded a Certificate of Commendation on July 9 by the UPD, citing his “decisive actions” that “reflect greatly on himself, the University Police Department, and the University of Arkansas at Monticello.”
“Officer Barnes performed his duties as a professional should,” said Chief John Kidwell, director of the UPD. “He gave life-saving care in a very stressful situation. I appreciate his actions for the infant and his representation of the University Police Department.”
UAM Chancellor Dr. Peggy Doss also commended Lt. Barnes, highlighting the professionalism and dedication of the university’s police force.
“UAM is truly fortunate to have one of the most professional and highly trained police departments,” Doss said. “Each officer, including Lieutenant Adam Barnes, is dedicated to assisting individuals both on campus and within the surrounding community. I am profoundly grateful that Lieutenant Barnes was prepared to act on June 23 to save a life, and I appreciate the effectiveness of his training in that critical moment.”
A native of Fordyce now living in Warren, Lt. Barnes has served in law enforcement since 2011 and has been with UAM’s UPD full-time since 2014. He is currently pursuing a Master of Physical Education and Coaching degree at UAM, a program he says is enhancing his leadership abilities as a police officer.
As a father himself, Barnes admitted that his instincts took over during the emergency.
“My ‘dad mode’ kicked in immediately,” he said. “It was just one of those moments where training and instinct come together, and you do what you have to do.”
Barnes has deep ties to UAM. His wife, mother, both grandfathers, and several extended family members are all alumni. That legacy, he said, is part of why he feels such a strong calling to serve the university.
He also emphasized the importance of teamwork and praised the coordination between UPD and the Monticello Police Department during the emergency response.
“That day showed how crucial our partnerships are,” Barnes said. “It wasn’t just me — it was the training, the trust between departments, and a shared commitment to protecting our community.”
Thanks to that shared commitment — and Barnes’s quick thinking — one family has their child safe and healthy today.
