June Volunteer Spotlight |
By Associate Member Jessica Harlow | |
June 30, 2018 | |
This month we sat down with Firefighter and Chaplain Barry Jacobs to ask him a few questions about being a member of OVFC. Barry grew up in Orange and has been a member of OVFC for 43 years. He lives in Orange with his wife, Marsha. They have 2 children, Whit, who is also an OVFC member, and Carrie, along with 3 grandchildren. After retiring from North Anna Power Plant, he went to work for his brother at Salvagewrights, a local business that specializes in historical preservation and salvaging antique building materials. Barry enjoys hunting, traveling, camping, working in their yard, and being with his grandchildren. 1. Why did you join OVFC? 2. What is one piece of advice you have for new members? 3. What is something you’d like the community to know about OVFC. 4. While a lot of the time the primary focus is on the firefighters who are running the calls, their families and the sacrifices they make are often over looked. We took a minute to sit down with Barry's wife, Marsha and asked her; What is it like to have a husband as a volunteer firefighter? "As a spouse to a volunteer firefighter, there are heart racing times when you hear the dispatcher sound the tones for a fire call and my spouse says "get in the car". I am literally shoved into the car, holding on for my life as a passenger, with red dash lights flashing. He races past cars on the street as they swiftly move out of our way while responding. We arrive safely at the firehouse but only he responds. I watch my spouse and the many other volunteers race to their gear lockers with commitment. They quickly dress into their gear, jump into their boots, and methodically prepare the trucks to respond to the fire calls. After the heart racing ride to the firehouse, there is a moment of pride in watching these volunteers board the trucks, sirens blaring, red lights flashing, and knowing each volunteer is doing what they love as they pull out from the fire station. Yes, there are sleepless nights listening to the scanner, conversations and dinners interrupted with dispatched tones, planned activities missed, and lots of smelly smoke-stained clothes. I learned a long time ago that white bath towels are "off limits" when he showers after a smoky, smelly fire. Being a spouse to a volunteer firefighter has always been a commitment and priority. It may not always be convenient nor smell the best. It does come with sirens blaring, red flashing lights, heart racing excitement, love, and pride." |
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