Mission Viejo Area Fire Captain Celebrated by his Biggest Fans

MISSION VIEJO, CA — Every Wednesday, Anaheim Fire Captain Dave Barry—a Ladera Ranch Resident and 20-year veteran of the Anaheim Fire Department—starts his day with a coffee and bagel from Bruegger’s Bagels in Mercantile West. Frequently, a young boy who loves firefighters meets him there.

“Every time I see him, he’s in his fire uniform and has a fire truck with him,” Capt. Barry said. “He’s always with his father and little sister. Every time I see him he asks to see my firefighter jacket or car. I think he wants to be a firefighter when he grows up!”

The friendship between the fire captain and the little boy started over the past eight months. In late October 2016, a post on the Ladera Ranch Mom’s Facebook Page from the mother of the little boy applauded the then unknown fire captain for taking time each week to teach the young boy something new about firefighters -- something we all know will positively impact this young boy for life.

“If this is your husband, he’s one cool dude,” the Ladera Mom of the future firefighter wrote. “My husband and son see him often at Bruegger’s and each time, he goes out of his way to make my son’s day. This morning was a mask demo and light show. Please send our gratitude.”

The post quickly garnered attention and over 400 residents. By day’s end, word reached Captain Barry’s wife, Kristi, also a member of the Mom’s page.

Kristi has known about the new friendship since the two first met, as she was the first call her husband made originally to tell her of this sweet, inquisitive boy who simply loves firefighters.

“It makes me feel great that (he) makes this boy so happy," Capt. Barry said. "I remember calling my wife to tell her about him the first time I met him. You see something like that and it teaches you what it’s all about -- why we chose this profession. It makes my day and I definitely go to work with a smile on my face.”

Parents Jill and Brett Dougherty could not say nicer things about Captain Barry and what he has done for their son. Little Liam, at just over 3-years-old is smart enough to instinctual recognize the heroism and importance of those who protect and serve others daily in all risk situations.

“This story makes me tear up,” said Jill, whose own father has bravely served our Country and is retired Major Anderson United States Air Force. “Captain Barry shows Liam his car and his gear. It’s seriously the most considerate and thoughtful thing.”

The family have lived in Ladera Ranch for close to four years and love the community.

“Every Saturday and Sunday and maybe a couple times a week I take the children to Bruegger’s,” said hands-on Ladera Dad Brett. “It is our father-child routine.”

“The thing that impacts me the most about Captain Barry is that I know he is on his way to work for a very important and demanding job, but he is just so polite to our son and never makes him feel rushed,” said Brett. “He always makes Liam feel like the most amazing kid in the world and never ceases to take the time for an excited child on the way to work.”

Liam recently went to his preschool parade on Halloween Day dressed as a firefighter and planned to trick-or-treat tonight in uniform.

“I want to say thank you to Captain Barry for making my kid’s day every time we see you,” Brett said. “Thank you for making any minute the best minute of his day every time you see him.”

Story, Photo courtesy, with Ladera Ranch writer, Amy Spurgeon Hoffman