Concord Loses Longtime Police Chief and Community Pillar Bruce Barker
CONCORD, MA – Bruce Brabrook Barker, a lifelong Concord resident who served as the youngest-ever chief of the Littleton and Boxborough Police Departments, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at Beth Israel deaconess Medical Center in Boston. He was 77 years old. Barker’s decades of service and dedication to the town, coupled with his active involvement in local organizations, leave a significant void in the Concord community.
Born February 11, 1948, to George and Marynette (Knipmeyer) Barker, bruce was a fourth-generation Concordian whose roots ran deep within the town’s fabric. He distinguished himself early on, graduating from Concord-Carlisle High School in 1966 as class president and captain of the football team. His commitment to education continued at eastern Michigan University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, and later at the University of Michigan, completing a master’s program in police governance.During his collegiate years, he also excelled as a national champion in shotput and honed his debating skills on the university’s debate team.
Barker’s career in law enforcement began at a remarkably young age. At 24, he was appointed chief of both the Littleton and Boxborough Police Departments, a combined role he held with distinction for over a decade. Following his tenure as chief, he transitioned to work as a private investigator before concluding his professional life with positions at Newbury Court in Concord and St. Francis House.
Beyond his professional achievements,Barker was a devoted member of the Concord Autonomous Battery for many years,serving as both a captain and president. He found joy in summers spent sailing on Crystal Lake in Michigan and in Biddeford, Maine, often with his friend Dodge Morgan. A lifelong animal lover, he shared his life with dogs Diesel, Ripkin, and Bourbon, and a cherished cat named Skunk.
He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Susan A. (Hedlund) Barker, and his daughter, Leah Anne (Barker) Koehler-Rice, and her husband leland. He was predeceased by his brother, Charles W. Barker.
Visiting hours will be held at the Dee Funeral Home, Concord Center, on Friday, November 21, from 4 to 7 p.m. A funeral service will take place on Saturday, November 22, at 11 a.m. at First Parish, Concord Center, followed by burial at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Concord Independent Battery, P.O. Box 1804, Concord, MA 01742.Arrangements are under the care of Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord. Memories and condolences can be shared at DeeFuneralHome.com.
