Two or three years ago, the Lynnport Fire Company needed members and wanted some younger people to join.

Chief Troy Christman and fellow firefighter Garrett Sukanick were friends of Brian Barr.

Barr took the emergency vehicle operator course to be able to drive the fire trucks, which was what the fire company needed at the time.

Barr also wants to become certified on the pumper.

He began a sports administration course in college but wanted to do something with his hands.

He inspects concrete, steel and soil, having taken a geo-technical engineering course and has begun classes in heavy equipment.

The company heard about my job and wanted me to join, he said.

His most memorable time at a fire was kicking down a door to a room completely engulfed in fire.

"It is mostly small things," Barr said. "There are not too many big fires lately and that's a good thing."

Barr is not certified for interior work in a burning building.

He often works 12 hours a day, which makes training difficult.

He is working for his certification as a welding inspector which involves a 1,800-page book.

"It is difficult to balance things," Barr said.

His girl friend is student teaching at Tamaqua and they recently bought their first home.