Va. Police Officer Who Responded to Attack on Pentagon Dies From 9/11-Related Cancer

Arlington County Police Cpl. Barry Foust, who responded to the Pentagon attack on Sept. 11, 2001, died after battling cancer linked to his work at the crash site.
Source Officer.com News
May 27, 2026
2 min read
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What to know

  • Arlington County Police Cpl. Barry Foust—who responded to the Pentagon attack on Sept. 11, 2001—died after being diagnosed with 9/11-related cancer.
  • Foust worked at the Pentagon crash site for a week after the attack, helping recover evidence and victims’ remains; he was diagnosed with cancer in June 2025.
  • A 35-year law enforcement veteran, Foust’s death marks the agency’s second line-of-duty loss tied to 9/11-related illness and the eighth in its history.
Arlington County, VA, Police Department
Arlington County Police Cpl. Barry Foust

Arlington County Police Cpl. Barry Foust, who was part of the department's response to the 2001 attack on the Pentagon, was diagnosed with 9/11-related cancer in June 2025.

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A Virginia police officer who responded to the attack on the Pentagon in 2001 died Friday after battling 9/11-related cancer.

Arlington County Police Cpl. Barry Foust was on patrol the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, when American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon, the department stated in a news release. He reported the attack and participated in the department's response to the incident.

Foust worked at the site of the Pentagon crash for the following week to collect evidence and victims' remains. In June 2025, he was diagnosed with 9/11-related cancer.

“Corporal Barry Foust truly embodied the spirit of public service, dedicating over 35 years to the safety and protection of others,” Chief Andy Penn said in a statement. “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.”

Joining the Arlington County Police Department in 1986, Foust started as a patrol officer before becoming a certified Motor Officer. He served with the department for 32 years and retired in 2019.

Following his retirement, Foust worked at the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Police Department from March 2020 to December 2022. In December 2022, he rejoined the Arlington County Police Department as the agency faced staffing issues.

"His remarkable resilience and contributions to the Arlington community will never be forgotten and he leaves an enduring and lasting impact on our agency," said Penn.

Foust's death marks the eighth law enforcement line-of-duty death in Arlington County's history. His death is the county's second line-of-duty death connected to 9/11-related cancer.

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Joe Vince
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Joe Vince

Joining Endeavor Business Media in 2018, Joe has worked on the company's city services publications. He began working at OFFICER.com as the assistant editor. Before starting at Endeavor, Joe had worked for a variety of print and online news outlets, including the Indianapolis Star, the South Bend Tribune, Reddit and Patch.com.
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