OAK ISLAND — Shawn J. Barry, 56, of Oak Island, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on June 19, 2026.
Shawn was born on June 16, 1970, in Cornwall, New York, to Janet and Jim Barry and graduated from Newburgh Free Academy. He married the love of his life, Gina, on September 14, 2002, in Wappingers Falls, New York. Shawn was a dedicated public servant for most of his life.
At the age of 21, he began his accomplished career in law enforcement, where he served as a police officer, firearms instructor, Drug Recognition Expert, instructor for the Ulster County Police Academy, and board member of the Law Enforcement Bicycle Association. In these roles, he helped raise the standards for law enforcement bicycle patrol units throughout the country. Working closely with the Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office, Shawn helped standardize the field sobriety tests still used by Dutchess County law enforcement today.
After leaving law enforcement, Shawn returned to school and earned a master’s degree in emergency management. He later became the Director of the Dutchess County Drinking Driving Program and authored The Comprehensive Guide to Ignition Interlock Devices in the State of New York, a resource that continues to be utilized throughout New York State today.
In June 2019, Shawn and Gina retired and relocated to Oak Island, North Carolina, where Shawn continued his calling to serve others as the Chief Drone Pilot for the Town of Oak Island Fire Department. He worked tirelessly to develop and expand the department’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) program, supporting firefighters, law enforcement officers, and ocean rescue personnel. Shawn gained national recognition for a groundbreaking water rescue mission in which a drone was used to deploy a flotation device to a distressed swimmer. As a member of the Steering Committee Board of the Law Enforcement Drone Association, he continued shaping standards and best practices for the use of drone technology in emergency services across the nation and internationally.
Shawn leaves behind his beloved wife of 23½ years, Gina Barry; his parents, Jim and Janet Barry; his brothers, Glen Barry and his wife, Lisa, and Kevin Barry and his wife, Ruth; along with many extended family members, friends, colleagues, first responders, and community members whose lives were touched by his kindness, leadership, and service.
Shawn’s passion for education, innovation, and public service will live on through the Shawn Barry Emergency Services Scholarship, which will provide financial assistance to first responders in Brunswick County for training, education, and professional development.
Though Shawn’s accomplishments were many, those who knew him best will remember his servant’s heart, his commitment to helping others, and his unwavering dedication to making his community safer and stronger. His impact will continue to be felt for generations to come.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Shawn Barry Emergency Services Scholarship. Your generosity will help continue Shawn’s legacy of service, education, and support for the first responders he cared so deeply about.
