Today in DFD history – February 5, 1994
Detroit Fire Chief Robert G. English, Chief 5, died as the result of a heart attack at a fire.
Photo courtesy of the DetroitFirefighters.net.
Please share your memories of Chief English by leaving a comment.
Today in DFD history – February 5, 1994
Detroit Fire Chief Robert G. English, Chief 5, died as the result of a heart attack at a fire.
Photo courtesy of the DetroitFirefighters.net.
Please share your memories of Chief English by leaving a comment.
On March 28th 2014 we changed the comment system we were using. Unfortunately it did not import existing comments. The following are comments posted prior to the change:
DFDLegacy on February 12, 2013 at 7:55 AM said:
The following were shared on Facebook. They are such good memories of Chief English I thought they should also be shared here:
From John Randall – Bob was 1 of my favorite bosses. Gung ho type of firefighter. He was a 1 of a kind boss. He loved the job and exemplified the spirit of the DFD. He had great 1 liners in the engine house and while on runs. He always was ready to pull a prank and appreciated the ones pulled on him. He brought the company together and made the guys excel!!!
From Cory Fullilove: I remember talking to Mike about his dad….he told me the last words his dad said to him was “You got all you need” as he was feeding line to him……………..let that marinate on you for a minute……..
From Greg Alcala: I had the privilage and honor of working in fire’s under his command ! He was 100 % DFD and UNION!
From Robert J Haig: A great Firefighter who has his name enshrined on the picnic table on the patio table at 31s quarters. Bob’s spirit will always be with the firefighters who run there
From Terry Harriman: I will always miss his Passion for life. He was a great guy to work for
DFDLegacy on February 12, 2013 at 8:09 AM said:
More From Facebook:
Ken Chojnacki: I remember one cold and snowy day . I had just gotten my badge and was detailed to the squad . And we were out doing hdyts. and all of a sudden we stopped at Doolyes ConeyIsland on Vernor . The next thing I know we go on our way to complete the rest of the hdyts. Only this time Capt. English says boys here is something to warm up your bellies ,and hands back two bags filled with coneys. What a great boss. After that I always liked going west. What I forgot to tell you is his son Joe, and I came on together. I tell that story all the time wherever I went on detail. Lots of good memories from the softball tourny also. another good man taken before his time………
Dave Walker: He was a classy guy and always thought of the welfare of his men first and foremost.
Art Versace on March 22, 2013 at 1:06 PM said:
Chief English has to be 1 of the best fireman and boss that ever was on the Detroit Fire Department.I will always miss him.Just a great person!
Chief English has to be 1 of the best fireman and boss that ever was on the Detroit Fire Department.I will always miss him.Just a great person!
More from Facebook:
Ken Chojnacki: I remember one cold and snowy day . I had just gotten my badge and was detailed to the squad . And we were out doing hdyts. and all of a sudden we stopped at Doolyes ConeyIsland on Vernor . The next thing I know we go on our way to complete the rest of the hdyts. Only this time Capt. English says boys here is something to warm up your bellies ,and hands back two bags filled with coneys. What a great boss. After that I always liked going west. What I forgot to tell you is his son Joe, and I came on together. I tell that story all the time wherever I went on detail. Lots of good memories from the softball tourny also. another good man taken before his time………
Dave Walker: He was a classy guy and always thought of the welfare of his men first and foremost.
The following were shared on Facebook. They are such good memories of Chief English I thought they should also be shared here:
From John Randall – Bob was 1 of my favorite bosses. Gung ho type of firefighter. He was a 1 of a kind boss. He loved the job and exemplified the spirit of the DFD. He had great 1 liners in the engine house and while on runs. He always was ready to pull a prank and appreciated the ones pulled on him. He brought the company together and made the guys excel!!!
From Cory Fullilove: I remember talking to Mike about his dad….he told me the last words his dad said to him was “You got all you need” as he was feeding line to him……………..let that marinate on you for a minute……..
From Greg Alcala: I had the privilage and honor of working in fire’s under his command ! He was 100 % DFD and UNION!
From Robert J Haig: A great Firefighter who has his name enshrined on the picnic table on the patio table at 31s quarters. Bob’s spirit will always be with the firefighters who run there
From Terry Harriman: I will always miss his Passion for life. He was a great guy to work for.