Dear Friends and Family of Captain Barry Maham,

A few months ago, the world lost a dedicated family man, Mayor of Gunston, and public servant dedicated to helping those in need during their most trying times. Barry was an icon within Fairfax County Fire and Rescue who always stood up and gave when coworkers, neighbors, or the general public had a need he could address. Barry was a special man who brought up those around him and mentored many people into achieving their full potential. Barry loved people, and people loved Barry. He worked very hard to support his family and helped raise 5 wonderful children with his lovely wife, Amber. The line between his family at home and his family at work could be blurry. Many of us watched his kids grow up, either from them visiting the firehouse regularly, hearing him tell stories about their antics, watching him light up with news of their achievements, and by seeing them around the community we served. His face would light up with pride and joy when he would talk about his family. He was one of the special people you encounter who draws you in with his positive personality and quiet delivery. Barry loved to laugh and tell a good story. His energy was contagious, and he gave his all to his family and crew. His default answer to requests for assistance was "Sure!"

No doubt, if you knew Barry, the above description is inadequate to fully capture his essence and contributions to his family, the community, his coworkers, and complete strangers locally and around the globe.

Barry's family could really use our support. Things have gotten tight while his wife, Amber, has been waiting on benefits to be awarded due to his line of duty death. Funds from this campaign will be given directly to his wife to assist his family in navigating their new reality.

During Barry's long illness, the Maham family was fully concentrated on Barry's fight for survival. Family maintenance items fell to the side. Barry was unable to fill his usual role of ensuring that household maintenance items were handled. The net result is that his family's home needs attention sooner rather than later. The items required to get his family's home sorted are very expensive.

In order for the family to be able to make it through until finances from his death benefits come through, they could really use our help. The money raised will go towards helping his family bridge the gap. Any money raised beyond the amount they need will be donated to the Fairfax County Firefighter's Fund or another firefighter's family in need. Barry was an extremely generous, kind, and caring man with an unflinching dedication to his duties. It is our humble request that you assist us in taking care of the Mahams. Any amount would be appreciated. The Maham family gave a father, son, and husband's life for the community. Please help us take financial worries off the list of things his family is worried about.

GoFundMe's Trust and Safety Team asked for us to include more context to this request for support. Barry was my Captain at Fairfax County Fire and Rescue for a number of years, I worked for him as an EMS-Technician on his shift. Barry was a particularly influential person to me and my development as a firefighter, medic, boat operator and adult human. Tim Barb, Todd Barb, and I have organized this to try and help Barry's family, as Barry would certainly have done the same for us if the roles were reversed. We have linked this campaign directly to the bank account for Amber Maham, Barry's wife. Tim, Todd, and I do not have access to the funds raised via this campaign. By design, Amber Maham is the only person able to transfer funds out of the GoFundMe platform for this campaign.

Thank you very much for your support of the Maham family!