Meet your Carlton Firefighters!

Our next installment in the "Meet Your Firefighters" series will feature one of our Junior Firefighters! Juniors have a lot more limitations, but they can also make the best firefighters as they grow! Our Juniors are just as dedicated as the rest of the Fire Department, and are always willing to help out where they can!

For this installment, we'd like to introduce you to Luke Barr.

Luke- participating in Search & Rescue training with no visibility

A little get to know me: "Hi, I'm Luke Barr, and I'm 17 years old. I'm currently enrolled as a Junior in high school. In the future, I hope to attend Texas A&M for Biochemical Engineering. I've always enjoyed things regarding math and science, which has also helped me within the Fire Department. I'm currently planning to work on learning pump operations, as well as planning to attend HazMat school. I'm currently a cook, and work between two different restaurants throughout the week. I started going to the Fire Department when I was very young to help with fundraisers and cleaning the station, so I've been involved with it for 3-4 years now, though I officially started doing more when I turned 16. I always try to be as active as I can with the Fire Department as much as possible, because it gives me a sense of purpose and allows me to help others."

As always, we've asked a series of "more intense" questions to our firefighters to try and get a little bit deeper with them! It also helps get to know them and who they are as a firefighter, as nobody is the same.

(Left to right) Firefighter Kyler Clay, Firefighter Marshall Cecil, Firefighter Drew Barr, and Firefighter Luke Barr.

What initially inspired you to become a firefighter?

"My older brother and my mom both encouraged me to join, since they were both on the department as well."

How have you prepared for the rigorous demands of this job?

"By always doing everything (including training) as if my life depends on it."

In your opinion, how important is teamwork in a Fire Department, as opposed to just knowing everything by yourself?

"Teamwork is the biggest asset to any situation, and should always be prioritized. Others that are around you can be more capable than you in different ways that can come back and help the team out in different situations."

In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge facing the fire service today?

"Probably not having all the necessary equipment and/or a shortage of available personnel."

How do you personally manage to cope with the stress and trauma of being a firefighter?

"I mostly just try to be open about how I feel about different scenes with other department members or people I'm close to. It helps to just talk."

What is one thing you would tell someone who is considering joining a Volunteer Fire Department?

"Being a firefighter means you take on a lot of responsibility. You have to make time for it, mentally prepare yourself for anything that could happen, and make sure you get along with the other people you're surrounded by. It takes a lot, but it also gives a sense of purpose and allows you to help in situations you usually wouldn't be able to help in."

Luke (holding the rake) is pictured working a Mutual Aid fire involving over 75 hay bales.

Firefighter Luke Barr has proved his dedication for several years. While still 13 years old, he was always willing to come out and help sweep bays, clean off firetrucks, and watch training exercises. Since turning 16, Luke has attended several trainings, including obtaining his BLS/CPR/AED licenses, extrication training, Search & Rescue training, and so on. Luke has also proven himself on several fire scenes, and is planning to attend Fire Academy, HazMat school, and Swiftwater Rescue training. He is an excellent example of how age doesn't determine your strength.

Carlton VFD Firefighter, Logan Theriot: "Definitely a future firefighter. He's a quick learner and is open to guidance, taking after his brother incredibly well. If every new firefighter were as eager and as open to feedback as Luke, the fire service would be unstoppable."

Carlton VFD Senior Advisor, Ally Barr: "He's a young man with integrity and holds himself to an exceptionally high standard. He balances school achievement, two jobs, and still finds time to volunteer at every opportunity."

Carlton VFD Firefighter, Kyler Clay: "Luke is always dependable; if you need something done, he'll do it. He is always willing to help and is incredibly brave. Not only that, but he has a drive to be the best that he can be, and his effort shows."

EMT-B, Elizabeth Zuniga: "He's willing and ready for any task. Heart of service. He's almost always able to add humor to any task to help relieve tension."

Carlton VFD Chief, Drew Barr: "He's my little brother, so of course I'll be slightly biased, but he's a very strong-willed guy. He shows up and shows out for everything, puts 110% into everything he does, and I couldn't be more proud of him."

Luke has been described by other firefighters as "quiet but powerful," "highly motivated," and "wise beyond his age." Despite his immensely busy schedule, he still manages to find time to show up for everything he possibly can. For being only 17, he's proof that age isn't a determining factor in proficiency. We're beyond proud to work alongside him and excited to see where his future goes!