Arlington Police Corporal Dies From 9/11-Related Cancer

ARLINGTON, VA — Arlington County police Cpl. Barry Foust died Friday from 9/11-related cancer, the Arlington County Police Department said.

Foust was on patrol the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, at Walter Reed Drive and Columbia Pike when American Airlines Flight 77 struck the Pentagon, according to a release. He reported information about the incident over the radio, beginning Arlington County’s response to the attack.

Foust remained at the Pentagon site for the next week, collecting evidence and the remains of victims, police said. He was diagnosed in June 2025 with cancer related to the recovery efforts.

Foust began his career with Arlington County police as a patrol officer in 1986. He later became a certified motor officer, working on transportation safety through enforcement and education and supporting special events and details, ACPD said. He retired in June 2019 after 32 years with the department.

He later worked as an officer with the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Police Department from March 2020 to December 2022. During that time, he continued to support Arlington through mutual aid at large-scale special events, including the Marine Corps Marathon, police said.

Foust returned to the Arlington County Police Department in December 2022, according to police.

“Corporal Barry Foust truly embodied the spirit of public service, dedicating over 35 years to the safety and protection of others,” Arlington County Police 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.”

Penn said Foust also served as a mentor to younger officers.

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

Funeral arrangements have not been announced. Police said Foust’s family has requested privacy.

Foust’s death is the eighth law enforcement line-of-duty death in Arlington County history and the second from 9/11-related cancer, police said.