Cary Farrar is a resident of Millerton, NY, where he currently serves as Fire Captain of the Millerton Fire Co. In addition to this, he works as a professional firefighter in Stamford, CT, and owns his own lawn care business, Farrar Lawn Care. Outside of his work, Cary is also a veteran and is involved with the local American Legion post.
Cary first joined the volunteer fire department in 2004. “To be honest with you, I was getting into a lot of trouble,” he says. “I wasn’t doing well in school or doing what I was supposed to as a teenager, and a friend’s dad encouraged me to join, and it turned me into the person I am today. The fire department saved me.”
After being part of the fire department for 19 years, Cary undoubtedly has his fair share of memorable moments. So many, in fact, that he isn’t sure he can tell just one. “Overall, I think it’s hard to share just one most memorable moment,” he says. “It really just comes down to helping people, and being around your brothers and sisters in the firehouse. We all have the same intention to help others and that’s what we love to do.”
Cary’s time with the fire department has impacted him in many different ways. As previously mentioned, it helped him during a tough time as a young adult. He says that being in a position to serve the community has molded him into a “better person and a better citizen.” He also notes that if he hadn’t joined as a volunteer 19 years ago, he likely wouldn’t have gotten the chance to become a full-time, professional firefighter.
“I would’ve never been able to do that without being a volunteer. It just makes you feel good that you can give to others and not expect anything back,” he says.
The importance of giving back
Although it’s a 24/7 job, Cary says that the ability to help those in need regardless of the time of day encourages him to continue being a member and doing the important work in the community.
“I keep going back to the same thing, and that’s that it doesn’t matter what time it is. You never know when someone is going to need help, so it’s just about being there when we can and doing everything we can to help.”
Like many others, Cary also notes that volunteer fire departments in the region are in desperate need of members. “A lot of people think that you have to give all of your time and attention, and that’s not what we’re looking for. If you can just come down and join, even if you’re only available a few times per month, we take as many people as we can get with open arms. We need people to fill all positions – firefighters, EMS, and others. Stop in on Mondays at 6 p.m. for an application and meet all the great guys and gals that serve the community.”
To learn more about the Millerton Fire Co. or if you’re interested in becoming a volunteer, give them a call at (518) 789-4645 or visit their facebook at https://www.facebook.com/millertonfire/.
Millerton Fire Co.
24 Century Blvd, Millerton, NY 12546