[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 75 (Friday, May 27, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E983]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  MR. DOUGLAS RAY BARR--IN MEMORY OF HIS MORE THAN 32 YEARS OF SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. STEVE AUSTRIA

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 26, 2011

  Mr. AUSTRIA. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Ohio's Seventh 
Congressional District, I have the privilege of recognizing Douglas Ray 
Barr for his more than 32 years as a veteran of the fire service and 21 
years as a veteran of the Violet Township Fire Department, and honoring 
his many accomplishments prior to his passing on February 27 of this 
year.
  Douglas Ray Barr was born to Daniel and Julia Barr on July 20, 1958, 
in Pleasantville, Ohio where he grew up with his two younger brothers 
Keith and Brad. A gifted athlete, he played multiple sports at 
Fairfield Union High School as well as collegiate baseball at Otterbein 
University. After college, Douglas followed his love of working with 
kids by teaching students with learning disabilities at his alma mater, 
Fairfield Union High School, and P.E. at Pleasantville Elementary 
School before entering the fire service in 1978.
  Doug began his firefighting career with the Pleasantville Fire 
Department and the Newark Air Force base where he volunteered for 12 
years. He began working at the Violet Township Fire Department in 1990 
where he was promoted to Lieutenant in 1996, and Assistant Chief in 
2008.
  Doug was extremely active in the community as well. He was very 
active in organizations such as the United Way, Big Brothers Big 
Sisters, Pickerington Area Chamber of Commerce and the Central Ohio 
Fire Chiefs Association, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, 
and the Fairfield Union Local School District board of education where 
he served as a member from 2002 to 2009. He was also an instructor for 
the Ohio Fire Academy and Eastland Vocational School for fire and EMS 
training.
  Among his numerous achievements, Douglas received the American Red 
Cross Safety Hero award in 2006 and was a two-time recipient of the 
Knights of Columbus Blue Coat Award for his invaluable contributions.
  On Sunday, February 27, 2011, Douglas Barr passed away at the age of 
52, at Fairfield Medical Center surrounded by family and friends. We 
are all eternally grateful for the countless hours he spent during his 
24 years of service.
  Douglas Barr was a man dedicated to his friends, family and 
community. His family remembers him as always putting others first and 
for the pride he took in his job as Assistant Fire Chief.
  Douglas Barr has been regarded as selfless, courageous, driven and 
flexible by his friends and co-workers. It is these attributes that 
make Douglas Barr truly representative of America.
  Douglas Barr will be remembered for his selflessness, his bravery and 
for his life of service to his community.

                          ____________________