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Walnut Hill Fire Department Honors Retired Chief
November 2, 2008
With tears and a standing ovation, area residents honored retired chief Robert Stewart Saturday at a fish fry benefiting him in his battle against cancer.
Stewart served as chief of the Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department for the past 15 years before stepping down to battle cancer.
“With the many years of dedicated service Robert has given this department, we got together and decided to do something special for him,” current Chief Chris Brown said after presenting Stewart with the department’s Officer of the Year award.
Stewart wiped tears from his eyes as he accepted the Officer of the Year award.
All proceeds from Saturday’s record-breaking annual fish fry were for Stewart and his medical expenses. About 750 plates of catfish or grilled chicken were purchased Saturday.
“We wanted to show our appreciation for everything he has done and for the many years that he has dedicated to this department,” Brown said as a frame containing Stewart’s uniform shirt, complete with his badge, was presented.
“Presented to Robert Stewart for many years of dedicated service to the Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department, November 1, 2008. You are truly a well respected chief and friend to everyone. We will miss you greatly,” the frame’s plaque read.
Stewart received a standing ovation from the packed firehouse, many people wiping tears from their eyes.
“Everybody in this community is a great community. I’m not just saying Walnut Hill; I’m saying the Walnut Hill fire district. It is a great place to live,” Steward said, choking back tears of his own.
One by one, the firefighters of Station 15 filed past Stewart, giving him a hug and a pat on the back.
The department also honor Phillip Eubanks as Firefighter of the Year and the department’s Community Service award was presented to Ernie Hester.
For a complete photo gallery from the fish fry and awards ceremony, click here.
Pictured above: Retired chief Robert Stewart (left) is presented the framed uniform shirt by current Chief Chris Brown. Pictured below: Stewart receives a hug from his wife and long-time department member Diann Stewart. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
Comments
7 Responses to “Walnut Hill Fire Department Honors Retired Chief”
Chief Robert Stewart has been the leader of the Walnut Hill VFD; in addition, he has been a mainstay of the Escambia County Volunteer Firefighters Association–a leader among leaders–for twenty years that I know of, and undoubtedly for longer than that. The entire county is indebted to him for his role in the development of fire protection in the entire county.
Thanks to Chris Brown, also, for taking on the formidable task of following Robert as the new chief of the Walnut Hill department.
True volunteers like Robert are few and far between, what is sad is that Escambia County is turning its back on the volunteers that built the Fire Service in Escambia County into what it is today, the worst thing we could have done is go completly paid in this county. I know Robert and his wife, and they are the real McCoy, we have fought fire and rescued many friends and strangers over the years, without regard to thier own comforts or compensation, they are truly community heros. The best way we can honor Robert is by doing what he did, get involved in our community for greater good, not ourselves.
CHIEF ROBERT, AS A FRIEND, FIREMAN, NEIGHBOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ARE IN OUR PRAYERS.GOD IS ALWAYS ON TIME.
TONY,CYNTHIA KILLAM & FAMILY. BRATT, FL.
CHIEF STEWART MAY GOD BLESSYOU IN YOUR TIME SUCH AS THIS. YOU WERE A GOOD FIREMAN , FRIEND SOMEONE WE HAVE KNOWN ALL OUR LIFE. YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ARE IN OUR PRAYERS. GOD IS ALWAYS ON TIME.
TONY,CYNTHIA,SHANA,KILLAM&FAMILY
BRATT,FL.
CHIEF STEWART,WE ARE ALL PRAYING FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.JUST REMEMBER LIKE IT WAS FOR US ON THAT COLD MORNING IN JANUARY. YOU WERE NOT LATE WHEN YOU GOT TO OUR HOME YOU WERE RIGHT ON TIME.THEY SAID I HAD 5 MINUTES LEFT TO LIVE THAT NIGHT. THEY DID NOT KNOW THE MAN YOU AND I KNOW AS GOD OUR SAVIOUR. I’T HIS TIME NOT OURS. YOU ARE IN OUR PRAYERS MAY GOD HAVE COMPLETE CONTROL.FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY MAY WE SAY WE LOVE YOU ALL. GOD ALREADY HAS YOUR NAME IN THE PALM OF HIS HAND SO HAVE NO FEAR.
LOVE AND PRAYERS,
REV.JACK & MARGARET
MCULLOUGH
Thank you Mr. Robert for your many years of service to the fire service You have always been a true friend.
Thanks Chief Stewart for your dedication to the Walnut Hill Fire District and Escambia County. We thank all the people that showed your support yesterday! Thanks also for the ECFR admin. personnel that came to show your support.