The Barrett Family

U.S. Army Staff Sergeant and Austin Police Officer Tammy Barrett has spent her life dedicated to serving her country and community. Born in England while her father was serving in the United States Air Force, they moved to Texas where her father completed an honorable career. The youngest of six children, Tammy grew up with a servant’s heart.

After graduating high school, Tammy served in the Army for 10 years with stations in Korea, Kansas, Texas and Germany. After her honorable discharge, she desired to continue serving her community, so she became a state trooper with the Georgia State Police Department. After a tragic automobile accident claimed the life of her brother, Tammy moved to Texas to be closer to family and served with the Austin Police Department for more than 10 years.

In August of 2018, Tammy and her fiancé, Cortney, rented ATVs to explore Lincoln National Forrest. What started as a day filled with adventure turned tragic when Tammy hit a deep rut in the road and lost control of her vehicle, which sped over a 45-foot cliff. After a four-and-a-half-hour rescue, Tammy was taken to a nearby hospital and was diagnosed with several injuries including a severely dislocated spine. Following a 14-hour spine surgery, Tammy remains paralyzed from the waist down and will likely be unable to walk again.

Despite her injuries, Tammy adopted the slogan “Attack the Day” and remains dedicated to her recovery.

Austin Cops for Charities along with Henley Homes and Operation FINALLY HOME are proud to provide Tammy and her family with a custom-built, mortgage-free home in the Austin area.