This month’s Police Officers of the Month are P.O. Antonio Barnhardt and P.O. Trevor Smith, who went above and beyond the call of duty after being dispatched to the Greyhound Station downtown for a male causing a disturbance and refusing to leave.
The following narrative was provided by Officer Barnhardt:
When we arrived on the scene, we were advised by Greyhound staff that the male in question was holding up the bus and needed to be removed. As Officer Smith and I entered the bus, Officer Smith began speaking with the male in an attempt to reason with him and keep the situation de-escalated.
The male made it known to us that he had an appointment in Dayton, Ohio, had paid for a two-way trip, and would not be getting off the bus. Additionally, he mentioned that part of the reason he was going to Dayton was to see his daughter, whom he had not seen in three years since he had been shot. The entire matter that took place on the bus stemmed from his service dog and property being placed in a seat that had already been paid for by another person.
As Officer Smith continued to reason with the male, it was mentioned that he was a service-connected veteran. He then asked if Officer Smith knew what tomorrow was (11-10-2025). Officer Smith made a few guesses, and the male advised that it was the birthday of the United States Marine Corps. He then asked, in an escalated tone, “So you’re going to kick a Marine off the bus on the Marine Corps birthday?”
Hearing the male’s concerns and seeing that his tone was heightening, I mentioned that I was also a service-connected veteran in an effort to connect with him and help de-escalate the situation. I began establishing rapport by asking where he was from, the name of his service dog, and other related matters. I mentioned to Officer Smith that there may be veteran resources through the VA that could get the male to Dayton.
We both began efforts to locate resources and requested a road boss respond to the scene. Knowing that the male would not leave the bus peacefully without an alternative solution, I asked him if we could provide an alternative ride and whether he would be okay with that. He became emotional and agreed, saying that would be great and that he would be able to make it to Dayton without additional stops.
I then contacted the VA Hospital and was connected with a representative who, under normal circumstances, could have provided resources. However, due to the male not having an appointment and the government being shut down, no assistance could be provided.
Given the male’s earlier tone and his statement that he would not leave the bus, I arranged a ride through Uber. While waiting for confirmation, I asked the male if he would be okay with me paying for a one-way trip to his destination. He was more than happy with that solution and agreed to leave the bus.
Once an Uber XL was confirmed to accommodate his belongings and service K9, the male gathered his items. Officer Smith and I assisted him in carrying his belongings to the front of the Greyhound Bus Station. When the Uber arrived, we helped load his belongings into the vehicle and saw him off.
Because of their compassion and determination to help a veteran in need, the Cleveland Police Foundation is honored to name P.O. Antonio Barnhardt and P.O. Trevor Smith its Police Officers of the Month for November 2025.
– Bob Guttu, CPF
Nominated by Captain Stephen Beckner
2025 POMs 2024 POMs 2023 POMs 2022 POMs 2021 POMs 2020 POMs 2019 POMs 2018 POMs 2017 POMs 2016 POMs
About the Police Officer of the Month Program
The Cleveland Police Foundation – in partnership with the Cleveland Division of Police, Cleveland Police Patrolmen’s Association, and the Fraternal Order of Police Cleveland Lodge 8 – is proud of the Police Officer of the Month program. The program’s purpose is to recognize members of the Cleveland Division of Police who not only perform their duties in an exemplary and extraordinary manner, but also excel in efforts that are consistent with a major tenet of the CPF’s mission to strengthen the bonds between citizens and police officers… building bridges, creating opportunities for dialogue, and forging positive relationships within the community.
Already aware that officers in the Cleveland Division of Police routinely go out of their way to help their fellow citizens, committee members are not surprised by the large number of candidates. With so many outstanding officers, selecting one recipient per month proved to be a somewhat daunting task.
When asked why bestow these awards, CPF Executive Director Charles W. Lane, Jr. states, “In today’s busy world, while some deeds may seem fairly insignificant, we hold out hope that such random acts of kindness may have a significant impact on a person’s life. Even if not, it’s nice to know that our police officers do for others what they would want someone else to do for a member of their family if the opportunity presented itself.”
Police officers across this great country perform similar deeds day-in and day-out, with little fanfare and really not seeking, nor even wanting recognition. We commend these officers for their compassion and personal commitment to making our city a better place to live.