Community remembering fallen firefighter who died in Sun Prairie gas explosion
SUN PRAIRIE, Wis (CBS 58) -- First responders from across Wisconsin and neighboring states joined hundreds at Sun Prairie High School to pay their respects to a fallen hero.
A funeral service was held Saturday morning for Captain Cory Barr who was killed in a natural gas explosion on Tuesday, July 10.
Organizers say more than 700 men and women in uniform have come to pay their respects for fallen firefighter Cory Barr. @CBS58pic.twitter.com/5sIWTBo6CS
— Christine Flores (@CFlorestv) July 14, 2018
Hundreds of people are waiting to pay their respects for the fallen hero. @CBS58pic.twitter.com/8yIHqxBrTg
— Christine Flores (@CFlorestv) July 14, 2018
Procession underway for fallen firefighter Corey Barr. @CBS58pic.twitter.com/glAZdjs586
— Christine Flores (@CFlorestv) July 14, 2018
To watch a livestream of the funeral, please click here.
Authorities say a subcontractor working in the area ruptured a natural gas line in downtown Sun Prairie on Tuesday evening. The gas somehow ignited, leading to an explosion that leveled half a city block and claimed the life of the 34-year-old Sun Prairie Fire Department Captain. He leaves behind a wife and twin 3-year-old girls.
Governor Walker on Friday ordered that flags be flown at half-staff until sunset on July 14 in Barr's honor. Eleven other people, including five other firefighters and a police officer, were hurt in the blast.
People who came out to the funeral said the outpouring of support is an example of how strong they are and how they'll begin to continue the healing process.
A GoFundMe page has been set up for the Barr family.
This is a developing story. Stay with CBS 58 on air and online for updates.
