By Diana New
Officers responded to a call on July 9 concerning a pitched tent near a Gordon State College parking area not knowing this call would once again be one to bring Barnesville’s community together and deem the city as one of compassion.
Gordon police officer Dicky Carreker and Barnesville police officer Maria Gebelein approached the camp set up near the Gordon parking area off of Holmes street Saturday evening cautiously asking the tent’s occupant to come out with his hands visible. When the occupant emerged he presented his Gordon I.D. card and after speaking with the young man, the officers became aware of his humility and determined him to be a driven student who had nothing and who was dedicated to his education and to finding a job.
Homeless, 19-year-old Fredrick Barley rode six hours on a 20” bicycle from Conyers to Gordon’s campus with nothing but a duffle bag, a tent, a box of cereal and two gallons of water. Barley indicated that he wanted to be sure he made it to town in time for school with enough time to find a job.

Fred Barley (blue shirt facing camera) has been overwhelmed with kindness since officers found him living in a tent on the Gordon State College campus July 9. Here he is pictured taking part in a prayer circle at DB's Pizzeria with children from the E.P. Roberts Center. (Photo: Diana New)
Fred saga: 'A small town with a big heart'
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