March 16, 2026, marked four years since the passing of a man whose life was defined by service, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to others—Edgar “Ed” Winfield Barcliff Jr.

The impact of his life continues to be felt just as strongly today across the corrections community and within the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation.

A Life Rooted in Service

Born on July 30, 1944, in Newark, New Jersey, Ed Barcliff was raised in a family grounded in faith, community, and perseverance. As the oldest of three children, he carried a sense of responsibility early in life—one that would follow him throughout his career and personal journey.

He was baptized at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, where he remained an active member for many years. A product of the Newark Public School system, Ed pursued his education with determination, graduating from Central Evening High School after attending Arts High School.

A Trailblazing Career in Corrections

Ed began his career in corrections in 1970 at the Essex County Jail in Newark, embarking on what would become more than three decades of dedicated service.

His professionalism and commitment quickly set him apart.

In 1986, Ed became the first Correction Officer in Essex County to receive the Officer of the Year Award. That same recognition extended beyond the local level—he was also the first Correction Officer in the State of New Jersey to receive national recognition, earning a place among the top five correctional officers in the nation.

His career continued to evolve as he pursued further training, completing the basic course for investigators at the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice Academy. He was then appointed to the Internal Affairs Bureau, where his integrity and leadership became even more evident.

In 1996, he was promoted to Sergeant, serving as a supervisor within Internal Affairs at the very facility where his career began—an accomplishment that reflected both his dedication and the respect he earned from his peers.

Leadership Beyond the Walls

Ed’s commitment to service extended far beyond his professional role.

He was an active member of Newark’s West Ward Civic Organization and received numerous awards and commendations from federal, state, county, and municipal agencies for both his professional excellence and community involvement.

He was also a founding member of the New Jersey Chapter of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE)—a testament to his commitment to leadership, representation, and mentorship within the profession.

Even after retiring in 2002 following 31 years of service, Ed did not step away from his calling to serve.

Instead, he continued to give back—most notably through his work with the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation, where he served as National Director and Vice Chairman. In these roles, he helped shape the organization’s mission, strengthen its reach, and support countless correctional professionals and their families.

A Devoted Family Man

Beyond his many professional accomplishments, Ed Barcliff was, above all else, a family man.

He was a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. He shared a life built on love and partnership with his wife, Arvelia “Al” Bowie, whom he married in 2012. Their relationship was one grounded in deep connection—one that, as those close to them shared, was meant to last through all of life’s seasons.

He was also a proud father to his children and a loving presence in the lives of his grandchildren and great-grandchild. His legacy lives on through them—in the values he instilled and the love he shared.

A Legacy That Endures

Four years later, we do not simply remember Ed Barcliff—we continue to feel his influence.

His career broke barriers.
His leadership lifted others.
His service strengthened a profession.

At CPOF, his contributions remain part of the foundation we continue to build upon today. The work he believed in—the commitment to supporting correctional professionals and their families—lives on in every act of service, every outreach, and every life touched by this organization.

Never Forgotten

Though time moves forward, the legacy of those who have given so much does not fade.

Today, we honor Ed Barcliff not only for his accomplishments, but for the man he was:

A leader.
A mentor.
A servant to his community.
A champion for corrections professionals nationwide.

Edgar “Ed” Winfield Barcliff Jr.
July 30, 1944 – March 16, 2022

Forever remembered. Forever respected.