WAOW - Newsline 9, Wausau News, Weather, SportsFirefighter named Wood County Emergency Response Hero

Firefighter named Wood County Emergency Response Hero

by Cami Mountain

MARSHFIELD (WAOW) -- People do amazing things in our communities and those acts often go unnoticed.  That's why area Red Cross chambers honor those people with their Real Hero awards.

Jeff Barth, a Marshfield Fire Fighter, is recognized as Wood County's Emergency Response Hero.

For the past 15 years, Jeff Barth has suited up with the Marshfield Fire Department.  On duty, he's fought countless fires and saved many lives.  It's his attempt to save another man's life, while off duty in late 2009, that make him a Real Hero.

The man was driving through this railroad crossing when his car suddenly stopped right on the tracks.  Barth was sitting in his car right behind.

"Next thing I know, the crossing guards were coming down on the railroad tracks and it was hitting the back of his car."  Barth says, "I couldn't figure out what was going on.  So, I waited a couple of minutes and I figured it must have been a medical emergency.  Something was going on; the car was stalled, a medical emergency."

The train moving closer, Barth jumped to action, attempting to pull the man from his car but the doors were locked.

"He didn't seem to know what was going on at the time."  Barth adds, "So, I did what I could do.  Unfortunately, I only had 15-20 seconds to accomplish that goal and was unable to."

Sadly, the driver was killed in the crash.  But it's Barth's unselfish act that motivates co-workers to nominate him for this award.

Deputy Fire Chief Craig DeGrand says, "It makes you feel proud that someone on your shift or at least your department would do this."

Firefighter or not, Barth's attempt at an off duty rescue makes him a Real Hero.

Barth will be recognized at the Clark, Portage and Wood County Real Hero's banquet on March 23rd.

Online Reporter: Cami Mountain