POWDERSVILLE – After 48 years of service, volunteer firefighter, Ken Barr, of the Powdersville Volunteer Fire Department was awarded the Anderson County Firefighter of the Year Award.
Chief Scott King thinks Barr’s service to the department exiplifies commitment to his community.
“Since 1964 when our station was established, this firefighter has been responding to alarms day and night. Till this day he is still one of the first men to the station to get a truck en route even if it is an alarm activation at 3 in the morning. This man is one who doesn’t speak much but when he does the veteran firefighters of our station and the rookies listen with respect. You could say he has been there and done that over the last 48 years, but he is not one to brag about it,” said King. “He led the way helping with construction of the first station in 1963 to 1964, and he has worked countless hours over the years helping to raise money, fix old trucks or just listen to an old friend and give advice.”
King also commented on Barr’s additional commitments to the community.
“This man is very involved in the community with his church and has formerly served on one of the county EMS boards. For over the last 20 years he has served as our treasurer for 1 percent money and this past year was voted to serve on our board as the firefighter’s representative. We would like to nominate Ken Barr for Anderson County firefighter of the year,” King said. “We as a county would not be where we are without great men like this.”
Barr said that he was not aware of his selection for the award.
“It was humbling to win the award and I had no idea that I was going to be selected as firefighter of the year for Anderson County. I was chosen as the firefighter for our station last year but I did not have any idea of being chosen for Anderson County. It was a humbling surprise,” Barr said.
According to Barr, the Powdersville area was in need of fire protection 48 years ago.
“There was a need in the community for it, so the community got together and got it started,” said Barr. “I just wanted to serve my community.”
Over the years, the Powdersville Volunteer Fire Department has raised money to continue its service.
“We started with just one truck, so we have had to conduct fundraisers like hotdog suppers to get the money to support the operational part,” Barr said.
In his 48 years of service to Powdersville, Barr has seen a variety of changes in fire protection.
“When I got started, there was very minimal training involved, but now, our station meets twice a month for training and there is also continual training in different aspects,” Barr said. “We now have two county pumpers, a 75-foot ladder truck, and a large rescue truck.”
Barr said that he enjoys being a firefighter and that he is rewarded by helping the community.
“I enjoy it, I enjoy being with the other fireman. It is not a one man operation and we all work together” Barr said. “It gives me a deep satisfaction knowing that I am helping the community.”
Post a Comment
