Sergeant Joshua Bartlett, a 9 year veteran of the Lubbock County Sheriff’s office, was tragically killed in the line of duty on July 15, 2021. Sergeant Bartlett, along with three other members of the SWAT team were shot as they engaged a suspect who had previously opened fire on Levelland Police officers outside his home. The regional SWAT team was requested as the man randomly fired shots from the home. Sergeant Bartlett was transported to Covenant Medical Center in Levelland where he succumbed to his wounds. Several other team members were wounded, one critically.
Sgt. Bartlett was also a U.S. Army combat wounded veteran who served two tours in Iraq as an Infantryman with the 10th Mountain Division. During his service in the military he received the following awards: Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and Combat Infantryman Badge. All those that knew Sgt. Bartlett respected and loved him. They attested to the fact that he was passionate about serving his local and law enforcement communities and was at all times an absolute professional. He was always helping others and was an inspiration to all who came in contact with him.
In Sgt. Bartlett obituary it states that he is survived by his wife of 18 years, Rebecca. Their marriage was full of teamwork, respect and love for one another. His oldest son, Zachary and his fiancé Logan Kasidy Laws, who will carry on his love for drinking good Whiskey and mead making; his middle son, Christian, who will carry on his love for music, and his youngest Logan Ryon who will carry on his love for baseball; an honorary son, David Hagood, who will carry on his legacy of serving others; his parents, Mike and Freda Bartlett, of Crosbyton, who taught him to love and the value of hard work; a brother, Jeremy Bartlett who he shared a love of Law Enforcement with; Jeremy’s girlfriend, Nicole Price and her daughter, Jalie Jenkins. Joshua also leaves behind his in-laws, Homer and Laurie Van Hoose of Plainview, TX; brother-in-law and fellow Law Enforcement Officer, Kraig Van Hoose and wife Maggie and their children Boston, Madelyn and Lucas; brother-in-law, Daniel Van Hoose and his children, Orlando and Greenleigh of Alabama; sister-in law, Misty (Van Hoose) Leonard and her husband, Dan and their children Clint and wife Calah, Zane, and Deacon all of Wichita Falls.
There are several local businesses and organizations who are raising money to assist Sgt. Bartlett’s family. There is also a GoFundMe page as well as a Venmo account for those that wish to donate directly to the family with no charge taken out by the fundraising platform. The Venmo handle is @Bartlett_2deltazulu. You may also contact the Lubbock County Sheriff’s Department to find out other ways to assist the family in their time of need.
Sadly, it seems almost daily we are hearing of another one of the brave men and women in Blue losing their lives in the line of duty. Whether it be through an accident or an act of violence by a cowardly criminal, it is a fact that there is an ongoing assault on our law enforcement officers. We please ask that you show your love and support for these heroes in any way possible. These are extremely difficult and dangerous times and law enforcement sacrifice so much of themselves for each of us. Personally thank them when you see them in public. Show your support with Back the Blue apparel and bumper stickers.
