Firefighters don’t do what they do to win awards or get their names in the paper. By the very nature of their work, the men and women in fire departments across the nation are the kind of people that put others before themselves. That’s what allows them to run into a burning building or any other number of hazardous situations to assist others.
That selfless dedication is also what makes it so special when the community takes the time show appreciation to the people that would put themselves in harms way so the rest of can live a little safer. It is in that spirit that The Eagle’s readers made Bryan Fire Department’s Battalion Chief Terry Barnett the 2009 Readers’ Choice for “Best Firefighter.”
“I’m very surprised to have won,” Barnett said. “It is truly an honor to represent the City of Bryan and the Bryan Fire Department with this award. There are over 100 firefighters and paramedics on staff that are equally, if not more deserving than I am, so I am very thankful.”
Chief Michael Donoho said the award is great for both Barnett and the Bryan Fire Department.
“I’m extremely proud of Terry,” Donoho said. “This is the third year in a row that a member of the Bryan Fire Department has won. We see that as a direct reflection of our department. Everyone here is very dedicated and proud of what they do.”
The Bryan Fire Department was started as Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 on July 5, 1871. The department began with one hand-drawn ladder truck with half a dozen ladders ranging from 12 to 14 feet, pike poles, axes, a pull-down hook and chain and 12 leather buckets.
The first full-time employee was hired in 1921. This person was on-call 24/7 and could only take a day off if he paid someone to replace him. He got a little company in 1928 when the city hired a second full-time fireman. By 1960, the Bryan Fire Department was up to 28 full-time employees and one volunteer. Today, the 114 members of the Bryan Fire Department operate out of five fire stations, serving more than 70,000 residents covering more than 43 square miles of area. The department uses some of the most advanced pre-hospital medical protocols available. BFD also has trained rescue teams specializing in confined space, high angle, building collapse, trench and water rescues as well as wilderness searches.
Bryan Fire Department is also active in the community through its many public awareness and education programs. The goal of these programs is to promote fire prevention and life safety training as well as promoting overall wellness in the community.
Barnett has been with the department for more than 30 years, holding many positions within Bryan Fire Department on his way to his current rank of Battalion Chief. He has worked with many great men and women in that time, and it is those coworkers that Barnett said makes his job so enjoyable.
“I feel blessed,” he said. “I feel like I’ve got the best job in the world. I’ve got great supervisors and 34 people on my shift that make me look good. We’re such a tight-knit group. I tell people that being able to work with people you enjoy and being able to help people is what it’s all about.”
Donoho said he was happy to see the award got to Barnett, who he sees as very deserving of recognition.
“Terry is very dedicated and one of the hardest-working and most caring people in the department,” he said. “When people recognize any member of our department it makes us all proud.”
