Hometown Hero serves community
Updated: August 10, 2012
SPRINGFIELD -- He's a veteran, a police officer and a volunteer. He uses his experience to motivate others to help the community. WCIA-3's Amanda Porterfield introduces us to Wes Barr, Springfield's Hometown Hero.
This house is just a small part of what Wes Barr has built in Sangamon County.
"I hope that, when other people see the things I do, it encourages them to go out and volunteer."
That's why, aside from being a lieutenant with the sheriff's office, he's either president or director of several organizations. One of those is Habitat for Humanity.
"I like being involved in Habitat for Humanity because it's an organization which allows people to move into a home that's decent and affordable housing. They may not have had the opportunity to do that had it not been for Habitat."
Barr knows all about not having opportunities. He grew up poor with a dream of helping others.
"Growing up in a low-income family, we got a lot of services from agencies like that. I always said to myself, if I grow up and I can be in a position where I can make a difference and help, then that's what I want to do."
But, he started making a difference through the military. He joined the Marines because he couldn't afford college. Then, he started his dream job.
"I've never had any other job that I wanted to do other than being a police officer. I'm very fortunate to still be in this field after 27-years and I still love my job everyday."
A job that he takes beyond the badge, into kids' homes on Christmas Day.
"The most fulfilling part of Toys for Tots is Christmas morning. You know, my wife and I are opening Christmas presents and we know that morning there are children opening Christmas presents who wouldn't be if it weren't for Toys for Tots."
With an attitude that's made him part of Sangamon County's foundation, "I feel like I'm just like any other volunteer in the community to make a difference, even though it truly is an honor, I do not see myself as a hero."
This house is just a small part of what Wes Barr has built in Sangamon County.
"I hope that, when other people see the things I do, it encourages them to go out and volunteer."
That's why, aside from being a lieutenant with the sheriff's office, he's either president or director of several organizations. One of those is Habitat for Humanity.
"I like being involved in Habitat for Humanity because it's an organization which allows people to move into a home that's decent and affordable housing. They may not have had the opportunity to do that had it not been for Habitat."
Barr knows all about not having opportunities. He grew up poor with a dream of helping others.
"Growing up in a low-income family, we got a lot of services from agencies like that. I always said to myself, if I grow up and I can be in a position where I can make a difference and help, then that's what I want to do."
But, he started making a difference through the military. He joined the Marines because he couldn't afford college. Then, he started his dream job.
"I've never had any other job that I wanted to do other than being a police officer. I'm very fortunate to still be in this field after 27-years and I still love my job everyday."
A job that he takes beyond the badge, into kids' homes on Christmas Day.
"The most fulfilling part of Toys for Tots is Christmas morning. You know, my wife and I are opening Christmas presents and we know that morning there are children opening Christmas presents who wouldn't be if it weren't for Toys for Tots."
With an attitude that's made him part of Sangamon County's foundation, "I feel like I'm just like any other volunteer in the community to make a difference, even though it truly is an honor, I do not see myself as a hero."
