I was raised in a family that believed in giving back to the community. My dad, John Barr, was the Fire Chief of Perry Township Volunteer Fire Department for 20 years, so I grew up with baby pictures on fire trucks and the sound of radios in the background. I eventually joined Perry myself, later serving as District Chief and President of the department. In 2000, I joined the Evansville Fire Department.

When I picked Station 7 on the west side—one of the slower stations—it raised some eyebrows about the new guy. But the people who knew me understood. For me, it was never about being at the busiest house; it was about being close to the people I care about and being there when it counts. Whether it’s someone’s worst day or their final moments, I want them to know someone they care about is there.

My son Tyler joined the department when he was 19. He was passionate about it and proud to serve. Tragically, not long after his 20th birthday, he was killed in a car wreck. Members of Perry Township were there that day—and I’ll never forget how they surrounded our family with love and support. They didn’t just help that night—they proved they are family, and always will be.

To honor Tyler and support the people who supported us, my wife Jessica joined the department too. She’s helped build a Peer Support Team and launched mental and physical wellness programs to help our firefighters deal with the emotional toll of the job. We saw how hard Tyler’s loss hit our department and friends.  They worried about us, but we worried about them.  We never want anyone here to face that kind of pain alone.

These days, I lead our Training Division and serve on the Board of Directors. I’m constantly looking for ways to support and strengthen this department—my extended family, my team of everyday heroes. Whether it’s through training, wellness, or just showing up, I’ll always do what I can to lift up the people who give so much.

Nearly 30 years in, I’m still riding around the west side in the big red truck. I didn’t get the classic firefighter build—but I got the heart, and I’ve loved every mile of this ride. I’m proud of what we’ve built at Perry, proud of the people I serve with, and forever grateful for this life in the fire service.