Fire Captain Cory Barr Post Office Building
Floor Speech
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Mr. POCAN. Madam Speaker, on July 10, 2018, a natural gas leak in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin resulted in an explosion that killed Fire Captain Cory James Barr. Captain Barr was a first responder on the scene of the explosion and gave his life while working to save more than one hundred people.
Captain Barr was a beloved member of the Sun Prairie community for 30 years. He was born on February 28, 1984 to parents Jack and Janet Barr, and was a brother to siblings Kim and Chad. He is survived by his wife, Abby, and twin daughters, Hailey and Aubrey.
Captain Barr first volunteered with the Sun Prairie Fire Department at age 18, earning him the distinction of the youngest firefighter in the department's history. In addition to his contributions to the fire department, Captain Barr owned The Barr House in downtown Sun Prairie and worked as a realtor. He is remembered as an outgoing, dedicated man who touched the lives of all his fellow community members.
Hundreds of first responders attended a memorial service in July 2018 to celebrate Captain Barr's life. Sun Prairie Fire Chief Christopher Garrison spoke to his commitment to the department and the community: ``If Cory could say something right now he would do everything the same way all over again. No resistance. No stepping back. He would face the danger and do it all over again.'' Other speakers echoed Chief Garrison's sentiments and added that Captain Barr was a loving husband and father to his wife and daughters.
The Sun Prairie Education Foundation has honored Captain Barr with the Cory Barr Education Memorial Fund. His classmates from the Sun Prairie High School Class of 2002 created the Cory Barr Fire Academy Fund to support the county's firefighter training program for high school students. Captain Barr's service to his community has now earned recognition from Congress by dedicating the Sun Prairie Post Office in his memory. Captain Barr's legacy will live on as an inspiration to young firefighters in Sun Prairie and across Wisconsin.
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