07/06/2026
To Our Personnel and the Sun Prairie Community,
This Friday, July 10, 2026, marks the eighth anniversary of the downtown incident that took the life of Fire Captain Cory Barr and changed our community forever.
The memories of that day stir up deep and complex emotions across all city departments. Fire, Police, EMS, and municipal teams responded with immense courage. Crews went directly into harm's way, putting the lives of others above their own to evacuate over 200 civilians.
They stayed in the danger zone because the threat was massive and immediate. Natural gas was flowing through the arteries and 140-year-old trenches of our downtown infrastructure, filling sanitary and storm sewers. Every building faced explosive levels of gas. It was not a matter of whether an explosion would happen, but when.
Our troops remained on the scene because minutes before the blast, three children on bicycles had entered the hot zone, a gentleman was searching for his dog, and a final secondary sweep was required to ensure every single soul was safe. They put their lives on the line for Sun Prairie. Tragically, we paid the ultimate price. We lost a dedicated firefighter in the line of duty, and another was critically injured.
Honoring a Legacy
Anniversaries affect everyone differently, especially our staff. For some of our personnel, this day is best spent in quiet reflection. For others, comfort is found in gathering with coworkers, friends, and family.
We also recognize that many personnel currently serving our department did not know Cory personally. However, we are committed to ensuring they understand his profound service. Cory loved being a firefighter, but above all, he loved people and always greeted everyone with a warm smile. We carry that spirit forward.
Through the darkest of days, our proud community came together. Sun Prairie stood stronger, rallying behind our public safety personnel and supporting one another in profound ways. Those feelings of incredible unity, mutual care, and strength are the true heartbeat of this city and a reminder of the bonds we share even when the pace of everyday life causes them to fade into the background.
Our Promise
Despite challenging economic times and pressures facing public safety staffing, our commitment to you remains unshaken. We will continue to respond, protect, and provide the highest level of public safety. We will never quit.
We promised Cory, Abby, Aubrey, Haley, and the entire Barr family that we would never forget. To honor Captain Barr and salute the brave individuals who saved countless lives, we ask you to keep them and our public safety personnel in your thoughts and prayers as we navigate the lasting emotional weight of this tragedy.
Memorial Arrangements
To mark this 8th year of remembrance, we invite our personnel and the public may join us:
• Department Remembrance: Friday, July 10, from 10:00 AM to 10:15 AM at Station 1 (135 N. Bristol St.). All are welcome.
• Memorial Tributes: Community members are welcome to visit the memorial outside Station 1 throughout the week to leave a note, a flower, or a token of remembrance.
Thank you for your continued support and for helping us keep our promise to never forget.
Thank you to our staff, past and present for your dedicated service!
Sincerely,
Chief Christopher Garrison
Sun Prairie Fire & EMS
