NORWICH – On Wednesday, April 29, City of Norwich Fire Department Captain Robert (Bob) W. Barnes was honored for his years-long service and dedication, by celebrating his retirement.

Born and raised in the Town of Norwich, Captain Barnes served for 20 years as a career firefighter/paramedic with the City of Norwich Fire Department and 29 years as a member of the Alert Hose Company as well. He became a career firefighter in 2002, graduating from the Recruit FireFighter Training Program (RFFT) in Montour Falls, has held the positions of Vice President and Treasurer for the IAFF Local 1404, as well as a serving as Volunteer Captain and Lieutenant with the Alert Hose Company.

At his retirement celebration Captain Barnes was described by those who served under him as a “Great leader, great mentor, and great captain” as they presented him with a plaque commemorating his decades of service. His fellow firemen presented him with gifts, including a toy firetruck for him to remember his time at the department, and in celebratory fashion a bucket of cigars, among other personal and gag gifts.

City of Norwich Fire Chief Gerald E. Parry Jr., concluded the celebrations with a heartwarming speech where he said, “From the first day in turnout gear to the last shift, Captain Barnes has been the kind of firefighter every department hopes for.”

Parry described Captain Barnes with five noteworthy qualities that will be missed. He describes Barnes as steadfast under pressure being the calm in the chaos. As a mentor to the rookies passing on skills and strong values, a teammate who understood that trust is built in the heat of the moment. As a leader he stands behind his crew and pushes to be better each day, and is a family man dedicated to his wife, kids, and now grandkids.

Chief Parry acknowledged the years of support the Barnes' family had given him and the department. “You've shared your loved one with this community for decades. You've endured the late-night calls, the worry, and the sacrifices. This career is never a solo act, it's a family commitment,” said Parry.

Barnes has been married to his wife Christine for 20 years, who was present at the celebration alongside him. He has five children, Kaylee, Michael, Stephen, Jack, and Mya, ranging in age from 34 to 18, and 4 grandchildren, Westlynn, Graycen, Walker, and Maddie ages seven to two.

Speakers at the ceremony said Captain Barnes has always been a well-liked and caring person. He has been involved in many lifesaving events over the years, and supported the community as much as possible through various means. He leaves behind a legacy of commitment to the community and public service.

Chief Parry spoke about the small moments that help define his legacy, such as “The way he checked his gear twice at the beginning of every shift, thoroughly checking the apparatus and equipment, so no one else had to worry. The way a joke was cracked at just the right time to break the tension,” said Parry, later adding, “and the way every member of this department knew they could count on him.”

After receiving his gifts and hearing the touching words of his colleagues, Captain Barnes thanked everyone for coming and showed off his sense of humor revealing a t-shirt that read, “Officially Retired. Not my circus. Not my monkeys” and everyone shared in a laugh. He has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on everyone in attendance.

“While the pager may be silent, the impact of Captain Barnes' work will echo for years in the lives saved, the firefighters trained, and the community made safer,” said Parry.