Community remembers Allen Fire Chief Dave Barry

"Dave has been dedicated to the community as well as Allen Volunteer Fire Company. He's going to be terribly missed." 

Up until Sunday Allen Fire Chief Dave Barry was doing what he's done his whole — serving his community, putting on his uniform and saving lives.

"He operated all of the equipment, he trained us as well as he trained himself in all the equipment and Dave would drive and answer calls the same as any fireman in this fire company," explains Allen Fire Volunteer Company Vice Pres. Bert Widdowson.

He was a man dedicated to his community. One who's life was taken way too soon and all too sudden.
  
"This was very unexpected by everyone in the community as well as Dave because Dave had just purchased property and a house in lower Delaware for a summer home."

The 66-year-old was planning on retiring in January, finishing out his third year as Allen's Fire Chief…

But on Sunday, Barry was killed in a car crash in Millsboro, Delaware. It was heartbreaking news to a community that loved him dearly.

Widdowson says, "He's very joyful. Likes to kid and carry on but when the work has to be done he's serious. He's well-liked by the entire people in the community." 

He was an Eastern Shore man through and through. Barry grew up in Somerset County working for various propane gas companies and volunteering at both Allen and Fruitland fire companies.

He will be remembered by not just the Allen community, but the entire fire family.

"Other fire companies with Wicomico County have called the Allen Volunteer Fire Company and have offered support here during our tragedy and also fire companies in Somerset County have also called." 

And although he may be gone, he will never be forgotten. 

"We're going to miss Dave because he supported us and he was our leader and we followed him." 

Barry leaves behind two sons and a girlfriend who love him dearly. Funeral arrangements have yet to be made until his family is all here on the shore.