Retiring Fire Chief Robert Stewart Honored By Escambia Commission

September 19, 2008

The Escambia County Commission issued a proclamation Thursday night honoring Chief Robert Stewart on his retirement from the Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department.

“He has definitely been an asset to the Walnut Hill Community,” Commissioner Kevin White said. “He’s done a great job.”

stewartcomm.jpg“Escambia County and its citizens are extremely fortunate to have someone of Chief Stewart’s character and fortitude, volunteering his services to make this community a better place in which to live,” White read from the proclamation. “The Board of County Commissioners of Escambia County, Florida, on behalf of the citizens of Escambia County, commends and congratulates Chief Robert Stewart on this retirement from the Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department.”

Stewart received a standing ovation when he was presented a framed copy of the proclamation.

Stewart was a member of the Bratt Volunteer Fire Department from 1967 to 1977 and joined the Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department in 1988. He became chief of the Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department in 1988 and served in that position for 20 years before retiring recently.

Comments

6 Responses to “Retiring Fire Chief Robert Stewart Honored By Escambia Commission”

  1. Rabon and Jewelle Stewart on September 22nd, 2008 3:20 pm

    Congratulations, Robert, on your retirement! We always knew you were a special guy, but reading these commendations – WOW! You’ve been a special vessel the Lord has used through the years. We are very proud of you, not because of the things others have said, but because you have always been a person of integrity.
    You are in our thoughts and prayers as you fight your biggest battle to date!
    Much love, Uncle Rabon and Aunt Jewelle
    OKC, OK

  2. Jennifer Freeman on September 20th, 2008 11:02 pm

    Mr. Stewart,

    Well, let me start off by telling you that you have touched many lives in their time of need and me & my 3 boys Trent, Brannon & Chasen Freeman are so grateful that you came to our rescue back in 1997. We were trapped in my car upside down in a ditch and Chasen who is now 11 years old was only 6 months old at the time had fallen out of his car seat. You & miss Diane got us out of the vehicle and I want you to know that you will always be my hero..I wish you well….

  3. Kevin Flannagin on September 20th, 2008 12:47 pm

    Robert,
    I enjoyed the few yewars I got to serve under your leadership. I am grateful for all the years you served your community, but I found you were mostly just doing what friends do and that is help each other in time of need. Thanks for your impact in my life. God Bless you.

  4. Andrew Kennedy on September 19th, 2008 8:45 pm

    Hey Grandpapa! Since you have retired that just means you can spend more time with me! I love you…now let’s go ride the tractor!

    Love, Drew

  5. Kelly Kennedy on September 19th, 2008 8:44 pm

    Congratulations Daddy, we are so proud of you and we love you. You hung in there for a really long time when most would have given up Your courage and determination have brought you far and will get you through the tough times ahead. You have the love and support of your family and friends behind you and even though this retirement was not necessarily planned, it will be met with respect and admiration. You have touched many lives and you may never even realize the impact you have made on the community and its residents. God puts us in places that he needs us sometimes and he works through us if we let him. I’m glad he put you in our lives. Thanks for always being there!
    Love, Kelly and the Boys

  6. Chuck Sansom on September 19th, 2008 3:33 pm

    For the thousands of hours that you spent away from your family. For the money that you spent to keep others safe. For the untold horrors that I’m sure that you’ve seen and are dealing with in your own way I salute you Chief Stewart ,and wish you well.