Editor’s Note: Chief Adam K. Thiel looks at the profound influence Chief Carr has had on his and other fire-service careers.
One of the earliest memories of my fire and emergency services journey was picking up a copy of Rescue magazine and seeing then-Captain Tom Carr on the cover.
At the time, I was a new volunteer in Montgomery County, Md., and Chief Carr was assigned to one of that county’s elite heavy-rescue companies — Rescue 3 in Rockville, Md.
He was seemingly larger-than-life and I vividly remember thinking: “that’s who I want to be.” That was around the time I decided to make the fire service my career; there’s no question that Chief Carr had something to do with my choice.
Later, I had the honor of working with him for awhile as a peer fire chief in the National Capital Region; once again, I admired his humility, intellect, command presence, and dedication.
There’s no question that Chief Carr is a giant in our industry; his positive example has undoubtedly influenced many of us who advanced through the ranks over the past 20 years.
I know our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family for a speedy recovery from this hospitalization, and for a well-earned retirement.
