Firefighter Spotlight #4 Captain Gary Underwood has been a volunteer with Ward 6 Fire Protection District #1 since October of 2006. He is also a volunteer with Beauregard Fire District #1 at the Oretta station. Gary lives in Beauregard Parish; however, his dedication to service within the community extends to those living in the Ward 6 fire district in Calcasieu Parish.

Gary is one of the most active members of the fire district and was the 2021 Officer of the Year. In 2022, he completed 194.5 hours of training and responded to 153 emergency calls. Public and community service have been a major part of his life. Gary is employed by Cameron Parish Ambulance District as a paramedic and is assigned to the Holly Beach Station.

Gary holds certifications in Haz-Mat, FF1, FF2, Fire Instructor 1, Fire Officer 1, Paramedic, EMS Instructor, and Basic 1st Aid/CPR instructor with American Heart Association.

Gary's family provides major support to his career and volunteer work. He is married to Amanda Underwood and they have 2 daughters Sara and Kara. Sara is following in her dad's footsteps and is currently an explorer with Ward 6 Fire. Aside from spending family time together, Gary enjoys fishing and building model cars.

Goals in the fire service: I would like to further my education, skills, and knowledge in the fire service so that in the future i can serve the district as fire chief.

Why do you volunteer / work in public service?:
I have always enjoyed helping others and volunteering within my community is the best way to give back to others in their time of need. You know I am proud to be a firefighters because "Even the police need Heroes."

If you see Capt. Underwood and his family please thank him for his service and his family for supporting all of his volunteer work even if it means missing family events.