By Brandon Henry
AFRO Intern
Baltimore’s Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Anthony Barksdale has died at the age of 53, the mayor’s office announced late Nov. 6.
“Tony Barksdale was the epitome of what it means to be a public servant — but more importantly, he was a standard bearer of what it means to be a good man,” said Mayor Brandon Scott in a statement the night of Nov. 6.
Barksdale was a Baltimore native, graduating from Baltimore Polytechnic Institute. He joined the Baltimore Police Department in 1993, and became Baltimore’s Deputy Commissioner of Operations in 2007. During this service to the city, he created and looked over Baltimore’s crime plan that lasted from 2007 to 2012, which not only lowered arrests but also reached an all-time low of 200 homicides in 2011. Barksdale also served as Baltimore Deputy Mayor for Public Safety, to which he was appointed in July of 2022.
“For three-plus decades, he served his city with one purpose: to make it safer for all Baltimoreans. He never veered from that mission, whether as a patrol officer, Deputy Commissioner, Acting Commissioner, or Deputy Mayor,” said Mayor Scott. “I had the pleasure of learning at his side for nearly two decades, and I am eternally grateful for all that I learned from him and the brotherly bond we built. My heart goes out to his family and all of us who had the pleasure of working with him. Baltimore is better because a boy from West Baltimore made it his mission to make it safer.”
Baltimore City Sheriff Sam Cogen praised Barksdale for his commitment to the community and said he served with “distinction.”
“The Baltimore City Sheriff’s Office joins our city in mourning the loss of Deputy Mayor Anthony ‘Tony’ Barksdale, a dedicated public servant and lifelong advocate for the people of Baltimore,” Cogen said in a statement.
“Deputy Mayor Barksdale spent decades working to make our city safer, serving with distinction in the Baltimore Police Department and later as Deputy Mayor for Public Safety. His leadership, integrity, and commitment to community will never be forgotten… . His legacy of service will continue to inspire all who strive to make Baltimore a better place.”
Cogen gave his condolences to Barksdale’s family, friends and colleagues and concluded his statement, saying, “Rest in peace, Deputy Mayor Barksdale. Your impact on our city will never be forgotten.”
Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley said Barksdale’s death is a “profound and tragic loss” for the city, police department and the entire community. He added, however, it is a loss that also affects him personally.
“I am heartbroken to hear of the passing of Deputy Mayor Anthony Barksdale,” Worley said. “Tony wasn’t just a colleague — he was a mentor, a friend and someone who believed deeply in the power of public service. Over the decades we worked together, he taught me so much about leadership, perseverance and what it truly means to serve and protect as one of Baltimore’s Finest, with heart and purpose.
“His guidance helped shape my career and he continued to serve our city with unwavering dedication,” Worley continued. “Baltimore is better because of him, and his impact will be felt for generations to come.”