Born and raised in Yonkers, Detective Specialist Barksdale is a military veteran having served over seas in the United States Marine Corp.

Stuart is a second generation officer having joined the Yonkers Police in 2007, and joining the Guardians Association in 2008. His father also served over three decades with the department, and was an instrumental member of the Yonkers Guardians Association helping it grow to what it has become today.

Detective Barksdale served 13 years on patrol in the 4th Precinct, before being promoted and transferring to the Crime Scene Unit. In that time he was a Field Training Officer helping to prepare new officers for the realities of real life policing. He also served as the 4th Precinct trustee to the Guardians before moving to the Treasurer position upon his promotion.