An Arlington police officer who responded to the Sept. 11, 2001 attack on the Pentagon has died from cancer related to those recovery efforts.
The Arlington County Police Department honored Cpl. Barry Foust’s 35 years of service with the agency in a press release today (Tuesday). Foust, who was on patrol the day of the terrorist attack and helped launch Arlington County’s response, died Friday following a cancer diagnosis in June 2025.
“Corporal Barry Foust truly embodied the spirit of public service, dedicating over 35 years to the safety and protection of others,” said ACPD Chief Andy Penn. “His response to the terrorist attack at the Pentagon is a testament to his bravery and unwavering commitment to being there for people in their time of need.”
Foust was patrolling at the intersection of Walter Reed Drive and Columbia Pike when American Airlines Flight 77 struck the Pentagon. He immediately reported information over the radio and remained working at the site for the following week, collecting evidence and the remains of victims, according to ACPD.
Foust began his career at ACPD as a patrol officer in 1986 and later served as a motor officer, conducting enforcement, promoting education and supporting special events.
He retired in June 2019 but didn’t stay gone for long — returning to serve with the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Police Department beginning in March 2020. In December 2022, he left that position to come back to ACPD, assisting with the agency’s staffing challenges following the pandemic.
“[Foust] selflessly served others, including as a mentor to many younger officers, helping guide and shape these law enforcement professionals,” Penn said. “His remarkable resilience and contributions to the Arlington community will never be forgotten and he leaves an enduring and lasting impact on our agency.”
Foust’s passing is considered the eighth line-of-duty death in Arlington police history. He is the second ACPD officer to die from cancer related to 9/11 response efforts.
The complete ACPD press release is below.
The Arlington County Police Department is profoundly saddened to announce the line of duty death of Corporal Barry Foust who passed away on Friday, May 22, 2026, following a courageous battle with 9/11-related cancer.
On the morning of September 11, 2001, Corporal Foust was on patrol at the intersection of Walter Reed Drive and Columbia Pike when American Airlines Flight 77 struck the Pentagon. He immediately reported incident information over the radio, beginning Arlington County’s response to the terrorist attack at the Pentagon. He remained working at the site for the following week collecting evidence and the remains of victims. He was diagnosed with cancer related to the recovery efforts in June 2025.
Corporal Foust began his career with ACPD as a patrol officer in 1986. He later became a certified Motor Officer and worked tirelessly to ensure transportation safety through enforcement and education and supported numerous special events and details. Following 32 years of outstanding service to the Arlington community, he retired in June 2019.
Never one to remain idle, Corporal Foust served as an officer with the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Police Department from March 2020 to December 2022. During that time, Corporal Foust remained connected to Arlington, providing mutual aid support during large scale special events such as the Marine Corps Marathon. As the Arlington County Police Department continued to struggle with police staffing following the pandemic, Corporal Foust once again answered the call, returning to duty in December 2022 to continue his service here, to our community.
“Corporal Barry Foust truly embodied the spirit of public service, dedicating over 35 years to the safety and protection of others,” said Chief Andy Penn. “His response to the terrorist attack at the Pentagon is a testament to his bravery and unwavering commitment to being there for people in their time of need. He selflessly served others, including as a mentor to many younger officers, helping guide and shape these law enforcement professionals. His remarkable resilience and contributions to the Arlington community will never be forgotten and he leaves an enduring and lasting impact on our agency.”
Information regarding funeral arrangements is forthcoming. The Foust family kindly requests privacy at this time.
Corporal Foust’s death is the 8th law enforcement line of duty death in Arlington County’s history and the second line of duty death from 9/11-related cancer. Visit our Hall of Honor to learn more about our fallen officers and their acts of valor in service to the Arlington community.
