Memories of Lt. Mike Barr

By Kevin Barr

    I have a lot of memories of Lt. Mike Barr. Growing up I can recall hanging around the fire station watching him don his gear and hop into the fire truck and drive away. From time to time I would get to go with him; one of the times was on a house fire on Halls Ridge Rd. I remember my younger brother and I were there wanting to help, but the only thing we could do was bring the air bottles to the firemen as they came out of the house and the only way we could get them to them was to drag them because we were too small to carry them. As I grew older I knew I wanted to belike him and help people. I joined ERVFD in 1999-2003. It was great being able to run calls and doing something good for the community, but most of all I got to do that with my father. As I was accepted into ERVFD in 1999, I remember my first training night. We were going through a hose maze wearing full gear and an air bottle and mask. He helped me put everything on and explained that it is really different to wear the mask. As I started the maze he walked right beside me as I crawled down the hall pulling a hose with me. I made it about half way through the maze and I had to quit cause the mask got to me. He was right it was different. He helped me get to my feet, and helped me take the mask off, he smiled at me and told me that I would get it, not to get discouraged, and of course he was right I did get it. One of the most memorable times was one of my first house fires. It was right down the road from where we lived and we were the first ones there. As the fire truck got there I got an air pack off the truck and started putting it on as he helped me with it. He made sure that everything was right  on the pack and was telling me what to watch out for and looked at me and told me to be real careful. He always looked out for me and I am thankful for that. He taught me a lot with the fire trucks, most of all, how to run the pumps. He was one of the best at doing that. If it was not for him, I wouldn't be doing what I do today. For everything he has done for me, I finally go to do something for him. I got to help honor him in a way that was so fitting for a man who has done so much for not only a community but also his son. As he was lifted onto 105 Eng. 1 I was one of the pallbearers. I got to lift him up like he has done for me and so many people in the community so many times. I marched along side members of ERVFD and other fire departments in the community. And, I also got to ride 105 Eng. 1 with him on his LAST CALL, which is what I will remember the most; getting to honor the man who has helped me and the community so many times.

Thanks for all the memories DAD.

Kevin Barr

AVFD & PRS