CRESTVIEW — Uniformed as TV’s Deputy Barney Fife, J.T. Garrett and his 1960s Ford Galaxy police cruiser are fixtures at area festivals, car shows and parades.
For his annual appearances at the Main Street Average Joe Car Show, the event’s organizer has made him one of the gang. Garrett is now a lifetime member of the Spanish Trail Cruisers Car Club.
In 1991, Garrett’s striking resemblance to “The Andy Griffith Show” character Barney Fife, played by the late comedy actor Don Knotts, won him first place in a Barney and Andy look-alike contest.
Since then, Garrett has appeared as the hapless deputy — along with his black-and-white cruiser, complete with its “Mayberry Sheriff’s Dept.” decal — at numerous events.
Longtime club member Danny Tate said the decision to award the club’s first lifetime membership to Garrett was unanimous.
“I’ve been in every parade and car show you’ve had,” Garrett said during Tuesday's presentation. “Just call when you want me back.”
Garrett’s portrayal of Deputy Fife isn’t his first brush with TV or film stardom. While the 1949 World War II epic “Twelve O’Clock High” was filming locally, Garrett was actor Gregory Peck’s stand-in and driver.
Garrett is married to former Okaloosa County Supervisor of Elections Elsie Garrett. The couple live in Crestview.
Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview's Barney Fife look-alike awarded Spanish Trail Cruisers lifetime membership