After 21 years of serving with JFRD, Barber died last month from a medical emergency. Author: Briana Ray-Turner Updated: 11:19 PM EDT July 18, 2021 JACKSONVILLE, Fla — First a moment of silence and then a race to keep Jacksonville Fire and Rescue captain Thomas Barber's legacy alive. “I'm glad that people haven’t forgotten and I'm glad today with society, where things can be so polarized that people still care," said assistant chief Richard Reichard. “Just a great individual, great attitude, always in a good mood and he’s truly a people person. He’s the kind of guy you want to come and take care of your family," said Reichard.