I had every intention of posting a new "boot review" piece today, until I received the news of the passing of a FASNY member and firematic friend, and I have opted instead to post a quiet good-bye to a gentleman with extraordinary qualities who loved the fire service with unabashed abandon.

I first met Bob and Rebecca Franklin about five years ago when I was just starting out in my career at FASNY. I was running registration at a FASNY-sponsored seminar, and Rebecca showed up to help with her husband Bob in tow. I was instantly taken with Rebecca's warmth and charm. Bob was significantly quieter, but equally engaging, and had a very strong B.S. radar (and wasn't afraid to speak up when the meter went off the charts).

Initially I couldn't quite see these two together as a married couple. Then I got to know them better and there was no mistaking Bob and Rebecca's mutual devotion to each other and to the fire service. These two were clearly meant to be.

Rebecca is a bubbly, vivacious and warm woman with a huge smile. Her personality is larger than life. She's also a dedicated fire and emergency services responder, and a tireless champion for the volunteer fire service in New York State. She has served innumerable terms on FASNY committees; the Membership Committee most recently. She's also a tremendous amount of fun to be around; sharp-witted and in possession of a keen sense of the absurd. Bob was her partner in crime, in life, in love, in emergency response. Yin and Yang. Peanut Butter and Jelly, Peas and Carrots.

Why God chooses to break up a partnership like that is beyond me. I can only reason that He knows better than I do, or that He needed Bob for a better purpose. Bob lost his lengthy cancer battle yesterday. I can't imagine how Rebecca is coping, but she's a strong woman, and has a huge network of family, friends and colleagues who are there for her for whatever she needs.

She wrote that Heaven Gained an Angel on her Facebook page, and she couldn't be more right.

Rest in Peace Bob--the world has indeed lost an Angel.

From Bob's CaringBridge site:

Background Story

Many of you likely came to know and respect Bobby during the 26 years he dedicated to the fire service. For almost 14 years Bobby led the Odessa Fire Department as its Chief, his name becoming synonymous with the call sign "Car 16". His knowledge and experience, along with his integrity, pride & selfless dedication to his community has earned him the respect of those around him.

In April 2007 Bobby suffered a back injury at work which eventually led to surgery. His recovery from surgery did not progress as smoothly as hoped and Bobby was unable to return to work after July 2007. After several weeks of a pesky cough, Bobby went to see his doctor in June 2008. A series of diagnostic tests resulted in the devastating diagnosis of Stage 4 Colorectal Cancer on June 19, 2008.

Robert Franklin

April 11, 2010

Rest in Peace