IN Firefighters Remembered During Ceremony

It’s been 22 years since West Terre Haute volunteer firefighter Dave Barter responded to a four-wheeler accident, returned to the station and died from a heart attack.

Barter’s children were among family members joining public safety officials Sunday afternoon for the annual Fallen Heroes Day Ceremony at the Terre Haute Police-Fire Museum.

“I think it helps keep his memory alive, helps keep all the firefighters and police officers memories alive,” said Teresa Claypool, Barter’s daughter.

The event recognizes police officers, firefighters and medical personnel from Vigo County who have died in the line of duty. More than 30 people gathered in a tent outside the museum, braving sweltering mid-afternoon heat for the placing of wreaths and a roll call of fallen emergency responders.

A bell clanged for each of the 35 names read. Thirteen members of the Terre Haute Fire Department. Twelve officers from the Terre Haute Police Department. Seven officers from the Vigo County Sheriff’s Department. Three volunteer firefighters.

That sacrifice was fresh on the crowd’s mind. The ceremony came hours after a terrorist attack at an Orlando gay nightclub killed 50 people and wounded another 53, including one police officer.

“Our police and fire go in harm’s way across this country and in this city every single day and we don’t know what dangerous situations they’re going to be pressing themselves into,” said Jon Swaner, a local TV news anchor who served as master of ceremonies, “and they do so willingly for all of us.”

The fire department’s pipes and drum contingent performed musical selections and Nathan Rainey performed taps.

Police and fire chaplains, the Revs. Dan Walls and Gary Foust offered prayers and remarks. A roll call of retirees that have died in the past year was also read.

Guest speaker Terre Haute Fire Chief Jeff Fisher — who like other personnel had a mourning band over the badge on his dress uniform — said it was important for the public to remember the lives lost.

So far this year nationwide, 42 law enforcement personnel have died in the line of duty, Fisher said. (That compares to 129 in 2015.) Twenty-six firefighters have been lost this year, compared to 68 in 2015.

“We live in a society where people think it’s open season on police and fire,” he said.

For Vigo County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy John Moats, it’s an honor to participate in the ceremony. Speaking to the Tribune-Star after the event, he said the department tries to remind its officers daily — especially younger personnel — about the sacrifices of their fallen colleagues. The department has its own memorial at the station.

As a police officer, Moats expressed appreciation for the people who regularly attend the ceremony.

“It makes you really feel that the community supports us,” he said.

Reporter Nick Hedrick can be reached at 812-231-4232 or [email protected]. Follow Nick on Twitter @TribStarNick.

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©2016 The Tribune-Star (Terre Haute, Ind.)

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