GRAND CHUTE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The ongoing unrest in the Middle East is hitting close to home for the Grand Chute Fire Department, as one of their own is, as they say, “Over there.”
Firefighter/paramedic Seth Barr is currently deployed to the Middle East with his Appleton-based National Guard unit. Wisconsin troops were involved in the Operation Epic Fury strikes on Iran, but military officials won’t confirm specifics.
This month marks five years since Barr has been with GCFD.
“Seth’s amazing. You know, he’s one of those guys that makes you want to come to work, makes it a fun environment. He’s motivated. He’s got a ton of integrity,” said Chief Steve Denzien.
Fellow firefighter/paramedic Evan Wheaton added, “High energy guy. If I had to describe him in one word, it would probably be intense.”
That intensity and passion for his job has been missing for the last nine months. That’s how long Barr has been deployed to the Middle East with his Appleton-based Army National Guard unit.
Wheaton said, “We’re here for 48 hours at a time, and this is kind of our work family, so it’s leaving a little bit of a hole, especially in our crew. So, just obviously missing him.”
Barr’s work family has draped an American flag over his locker and gear — a visual reminder he’s gone. Grand Chute firefighters also honor all service members weekly by wearing special red “Support our Troops” shirts Fridays.
But following the recent events in the Middle East, and with one of their own brothers deployed there, every day this week, the Grand Chute Fire Department is wearing red.
Denzien said, “We just wanted to make sure he’s known. He knows that we’re still here for him and that we respect what he’s doing in that. So, we just wanted to make sure he had that extra little touch this week, to know we’re thinking of him and praying for him.”
Crews have been taking pictures of themselves in their red and sending them to Barr. It’s a gesture he’s received and appreciates.
“He likes the support. I’m sure he knows that we all miss him, but I’m sure especially being disconnected from everybody, he doesn’t have regular conversations with us all the time. So, I know it probably meant a lot to him,” added Wheaton.
Those left stateside are just hoping and praying for Barr’s safe return.
“He’ll be back shortly, and he’s doing good stuff while he’s gone, so it’s all for a good cause,” said Wheaton.
Barr’s deployment is supposed to last about a year. His work family expects him home sometime this summer.
