Firefighter Patrick Barrett has been named the Knights of Columbus Firefighter of the year.
In his nominating letter, Capt. Paul Filon said Barrett is one of the hardest working and most competent individuals on the department.
"Pat is an exceptional representative for our department, and is well respected throughout the Northeast Ohio region. He is well liked and looked up to by his peers, and provides excellent care and customer service to the public that he serves," Filon wrote.
Public service runs in the Barrett family. His father is retired SFEMS Captain Ken Barrett.
"I have had the opportunity to know Pat since he was born and watch him grow into the professional that he is today," Filon said.
Barrett started with the department in 2017 and has become an exceptional firefighter and paramedic. He provides mentorship to the younger members and serves as an Acting Lieutenant for our department. Pat treats this job as a both a career and a passion. He also currently serves as a fire instructor, a volunteer firefighter, and as the Assistant Chief of the York/Erhart volunteer fire department in his spare time.
Fire medic Barrett has distinguished himself on several notable emergency responses over his career. More recently, he assisted in a successful at home baby delivery under very difficult conditions. Pat also rescued a dog from a house fire last year that was successfully resuscitated at the scene.
"He is a “firefighter’s firefighter” and I always feel better when his crew is the first to arrive at an emergency. Pat is the type of firefighter/paramedic I would want to show up if my family member was in trouble," Filon wrote.
While Barrett is not someone who seeks out recognition or applause, "he is certainly deserving of such. Exemplifying selflessness and a caring image that the public associates with members of the fire service, I cannot think of a better representative for our department," Filon said.