Lafayette’s newest fire department captain has some experience coming into the position.
Joseph Barker was sworn-in Wednesday as captain of Fire Station Two. The 22 year veteran of the department says he’s glad to return to its management ranks.
“I’m very anxious and looking forward to starting at my new position at (Station) Two. I’m staying on the C-Shift, so I know all the guys that are down there – a great group of guys.”
Barker served as a fire department captain for nearly eight years in Lafayette and then as a battalion chief. He says he’s well aware of what the job demands.
“The rank of captain holds the responsibility of being a house officer. We’re responsible for the supervising of all three shifts, also the care and maintenance of the engine house and apparatus. I’ll also be involved in management, the command structure.”
He says this will be his second time as a captain at Station Two, which is at the corner of Erie and Salem streets.
Barker is a lifelong resident of Lafayette.
