Law men killed in plane crash identified
Two law men killed in a plane crash in the San Isabel National Forest Friday were identified by the Custer County Coroner’s Office Saturday.
Leide DeFusco served two decades in law enforcement. He was a captain with the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office. The Pueblo Chieftain said DeFusco was preparing for the FBI’s National Academy. He is survived by his wife and four children.
John Barger was retired from the Pueblo Police Department. He was an aviation enthusiast and piloting the plane that crashed on Greenhorn Mountain near Rye.
Pueblo County Sheriff Kirk Taylor said the plane was being used to look for an illegal marijuana operation in the San Isabel Forest. That operation was associated with the huge marijuana bust in the forest a few weeks ago.
Condolences are pouring in for the families, friends and co-workers of Barger and DeFusco.
The Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office has turned their cover photo on their Facebook page to black and many are leaving messages on their page.
“We can’t even express our feelings of this horrible tragedy,” said Cheryl Reid.
“Truly sad to hear we have lost two of the brave who protected us,” said Marianne Gilmore.
“I was devastated and shocked. It can’t be him, it can’t be him,” said Marie Finn, former neighbor of Barger.
Finn said Barger had a charisma about him and everybody liked him.
One of DeFusco’s neighbors said the captain was dependable and helped her out often after her husband died.
Other Colorado law enforcement agencies also offered their support on their Facebook pages, including the Aurora Police Department and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s office.
“I loved my father very much. RIP Dad. I know your in a better place,” wrote Kaylee DeFusco.
