By James B. Bartle
Local businessman and Sullivan Fire Protection District Firefighter Robert “Bob” Marsh will be honored for his 50 years of service to the Sullivan Fire Protection District on Sunday, April 26, with a ceremony at 2 p.m.
Marsh began his 50 years of service in 1964, and was an active fire fighter for over 30 years.
During his term with the fire department, which later became fire district, Marsh held several positions including: Training Officer, Captain, Assistant Chief, Chief and Fire Marshall.
Under Marsh’s direction the Sullivan Junior Firefighter program began and Marsh was a member of the Franklin County Bomb and Arson Squad for four years in which he helped investigate arson related fires and bomb threats.
Marsh, who was employed at Pea Ridge Iron Ore Mine as a Safety Coordinator, prior to starting his own business fire extinguisher and equipment business, helped to organize and conduct numerous fire training classes, fire prevention classes, fire safety, first aid seminars for businesses and schools.
He was elected Sullivan Firefighter of the Year in 1983.
Marsh attained some strong training and certificates of achievement while serving the district that included: Burlington Northern Railroad Response Program for hazardous material; East Central College certifications in Fire Fighting Tactics and Strategy, Fire Department Apparatus, Fire Technology Advisory Committee and Fire Investigation; D.O.T. Hazardous material training; Missouri Chapter of International Association of Arson Investigators 1991-1993; National Fire Academy-Fire Rescue Training Institute for hazardous materials; St. Louis University hazardous materials emergency services workshop; University of Missouri-Columbia Fire training in, Firefighter Ine, Natural Cover Fires, Forcible Entry and Ventilation, rope and rescue, fire prevention and inspection sprinklers, first aid, salvage and overhaul operations, fire streams, ladders and breathing apparatus, auto extrication, arson detection investigation and interior attack.
“We had some very good training sessions back then under Bob’s leadership, he was a very good training instructor,” said James Johnson, former firefighter under Marsh.
Sullivan Fire Chief Rich White stated, “We are very pleased to have another one of our firefighter reach this 50 year milestone. We encourage the public to attend this event on Sunday and help us show our appreciation for Bob’s years of service.”