Cody Becker, who was always a helper, once served as the former coach at Northern York County Regional Police Department. He tragically passed away in an ambush during a mission on Haar Road. As a former coach, Neil Barnes recalls that he wasn’t just a wrestler — he was a leader, friend, and someone who lived to serve others.
Becker worked for the Northern York County Regional Police Department. He lost his life in the line of duty last week during an ambush on Haar Road. From his time in law enforcement, he became a two-time national qualifier, traveling across the country to compete at collegiate wrestling levels. Barnes, who led Millersville University’s wrestling program from 2004 to 2009, recruited him directly from Spring Grove High School. From the start, Barnes said he knew there was something special about him: “From my very first year as head coach at Millersville, Cody was my very first recruit,” he said. “We hit it off immediately. He was just a great, kind person.”
Becker’s journey as a wrestler took him across the country, earning him a place in the highest collegiate wrestling leagues. Barnes remembers watching him accomplish feats that brought joy to the community — “It was a joy to see this young kid from Spring Grove accomplish those feats,” he said. “Seeing that glow and happiness made me proud as a coach.”
But it wasn’t just athletic achievement that set Becker apart. “What impressed me most was that he was an automatic leader,” Barnes said. Even as a freshman, people listened to him. News of his death sent shockwaves through the local wrestling community. “It felt like that whole part of my college coaching got torn out of my heart,” Barnes said. Even after Becker graduated from college, the two remained in touch. Barnes planned to reconnect during high school wrestling matches between Spring Grove and Dallastown. He would say, “We got you this year, Coach Barnes,” or vice versa — a moment they shared to catch up.
Family and friends say wrestling was such a big part of Becker’s life. They even asked for donations in his memory to the Spring Grove Wrestling Club. The club is hosting a ‘Cody Becker season kickoff clinic’ at the high school, which will raise funds back to Becker’s family. The first match of the season will honor First Responders, and the club plans to also recognize him. Checks mailed to the club can be sent to: Spring Grove Wrestling Club at Spring Grove High School on 1490 Roth's Church Road, Spring Grove, PA 16362.
