Fire Engineering is saddened by the sudden passing of Editor in Chief Bobby Halton. This page is where Bobby spoke unapologetically and frankly about topics of importance to the fire service he loved and served. A few of his friends and fellow members of the fire service offer these words in memoriam.
Eric Schlett, Executive Vice President, Clarion Events–Fire & Rescue: “Bobby was a larger-than-life personality who dedicated his life to God, family, and the fire service. Bobby spent his life in service of others, and his impact serving as VP of Education and Training for Clarion Fire & Rescue was a source of great pride and personal responsibility. He will be sorely missed.”
Chief (Ret.) David Rhodes, Editor in Chief, Fire Engineering/Education Director, FDIC International: “There will never be another Bobby Halton. He defied the odds with cancer and lived his life to the fullest. His passion for history, his love for America, and his understanding of the fire service made him an incredible voice for our profession.”
- Drawn by Fire: That New Kid, Halton.
- Bobby Halton: A Man of Service
- Bobby Halton: A Man of ServicePodcast: The Command Post: Remembering Chief Bobby Halton
- More Bobby Halton
Glenn Corbett, Technical Editor, Fire Engineering: “Bobby Halton represented the core essence of the fire service. He always kept firefighters as his focus and mission, making sure that they received the best training possible. He wove his editorials into philosophical motivators for many readers, encouraging them to think and act.”
Captain Bill Gustin, Miami Dade (FL) Fire Rescue; Technical Editor, Fire Engineering: “Bobby was such a big part of our lives. He was so talented and passionate. Everyone touched by him is not only a better fire officer but a better person. I know he would want us to carry on and keep working hard every day to make each other better.”
Lieutenant Michael N. Ciampo, Fire Department of New York (FDNY): “Bobby was a true advocate for firefighter training, and he put me in a very prestigious position on the back page, following a lineup of legends to convey it monthly and in Training Minutes videos for the world to see. I’ll forever be grateful for all the opportunities he afforded me to pass on knowledge, street experiences, and the workings of the job to the fire service.”
Paul Combs, Editorial Cartoonist, Fire Engineering: “Chief Halton is, to me, like so many of us in the fire service, a devoted leader and advocate for the greatest of all callings. Personally, it’s honest to say that my fire service career would not be where it is today without Bobby’s unquestionable trust, professional guidance, and unwavering friendship. I will miss his infectious passion.”
Eric J. Holcomb, Governor of Indiana: “The loss to FDIC and firefighters in Indiana and around the country is immeasurable. Bobby was an educator, a motivator, and an inspirational leader to those in the fire service and so far beyond. I always looked forward to being around him and hearing him speak at the annual FDIC conference, as his uplifting words of encouragement impacted my life greatly. There will never be another like Bobby.”
Chief Ernest Malone, Indianapolis (IN) Fire Department (IFD): “A true champion for the fire service, IFD, and the City of Indianapolis, the profound loss of Bobby Halton will be felt throughout the Indy community for years to come. Bobby was a leader and mentor to many, who leveled up the importance of training and education in the fire service. His influence was legendary, and his passion created a palpable excitement in any room he entered. Most importantly, Bobby was a member of the IFD family, and we are honored to have called him our friend.”
Captain (Ret.) Michael Dugan, FDNY: “Bobby was an iconic individual who left the fire service better than he found it. He believed in family, trust, and loyalty, and there were not many like him.”
Chief (Ret.) Rick Lasky, Lewisville (TX) Fire Department: “Very few people will ever have the impact on people’s lives and the fire service as Bobby did. He changed the fire service. His passion and love for the fire service was second to none.”
Captain (Ret) Mike Gagliano, Seattle (WA) Fire Department: “Bobby will never be gone for those who love our calling. His legacy is woven within the fabric of firefighters across the world who pursue our craft with passion and gratitude. He believed in you and me in a way that was contagious and inspirational.”
Battalion Chief (Ret.) John Salka, FDNY: “One of the greatest things about Bobby was how he made everyone else feel. When you talked with him, he made you feel like the king of the world. Bobby made everyone feel like the most important, most accomplished person around. We should all be a little more like Bobby.”
Deputy Chief (Ret.) Steve Chikerotis, Chicago (IL) Fire Department: “To paraphrase Maya Angelou, as the years pass by, some may forget what Bobby Halton said, and they may forget what Bobby did, but they will never forget the way he made them feel. Bobby Halton was inspirational and he has lit a fire in thousands of firefighters who have gone on to accomplish great things. To quote Babe Ruth, ‘Heroes get remembered, but legends never die.’ Long live the legend of Bobby Halton.”
Deputy Chief (Ret.) Frank Viscuso, Kearny (NJ) Fire Department: “It has been said that ‘a candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.’ For me, Chief Halton embodies this saying. He has lit many candles that have ignited the passion of many of today’s great fire service leaders, and those candles will continue to burn for decades.”
Deputy Chief Billy Goldfeder, Loveland-Symmes (OH) Fire Department: “Unapologetically an American firefighter—that was Bobby. Here was this man who took being an editor and supersized it! He took advantage of his platform in both writing and speaking to educate those who needed to learn about us and to remind those of us who do this job how critical it is for us to never end a high-spirited focus on being the absolute best we can.”
Gordon Graham, Research Consultant: “Bobby was a jewel—a ‘rough diamond’ who would not tolerate the status quo where mediocrity replaces accountability. The fire service is better because of his work.”
Battalion Chief (Ret.) Anthony Kastros, Sacramento Metro (CA) Fire District: “Bobby Halton’s passion is unparalleled. Anyone in the audience during one of his legendary opening ceremony speeches knows the feeling of having your ears ring and your heart swell with intense pride and enthusiasm for our calling. His work to further firefighters of all types in all ways cannot be measured. He always fought, tirelessly, for survival because there was more work to do. Bobby has shown us what it is to have the heart of a servant with the roar of a lion.”
Fire Marshal (Ret.)/Fmr. Deputy Chief Jack J. Murphy, Leonia (NJ) Fire Department: “Chief Bobby Halton would start every year at FDIC at the 0600 hours bus loading for the H.O.T. evolutions. The packed convention hallways between classes would be filled with unassuming firefighter chats along the way. These casual conversations would be one of thousands of ignition sparks enlightening a new cadre of attendees to bring the message back home.”
Dr. Denis Onieal, Deputy United States Fire Administrator (Ret.): “No one in our profession ever forgot meeting him—his gregarious personality, words of encouragement, keen insights, gentle curiosity, and absurd sense of humor made the experience unforgettable for both the seasoned fire chief and the youngest rookie alike. Thucydides said, ‘What you leave behind is not what is engraved in a stone monument—but what is woven into the lives of others.’”
Deputy Assistant Chief (Ret.) John Norman, FDNY: “Bobby Halton was a larger-than-life figure in the fire service. His contagious enthusiasm and dry Irish wit kept all who got to know him in a great mood just by being around him. His relentless participation in anything fire-related, even at the depths of his illness, which would have sidelined most people, is extremely inspirational. His spirit never dimmed, and he never lost his enthusiasm.”
Battalion Chief (Ret.) Daniel DeGryse, Chicago (IL) Fire Department; Director, Rosecrance Florian Program, Illinois: “For many who saw him speak, Bobby was a man of focus and passion. Those lucky enough to engage him and have a spirited conversation with him are fortunate. Those of us who had the opportunity to break bread and have a casual conversation about family and friends with Bobby and see the man behind the ‘American Firefighter’ are blessed.”
Battalion Chief (Ret.) Jerry Tracy, FDNY: “He was committed to training and the health and well-being of his colleagues and their efficiency on the fireground. He was an inspiration to initiate and open our minds to thoughts and ways to improve the fire service in what we do and how we do it with tremendous courage and determination. He was a pillar of strength to the fire service, an exemplar of valor.”
Captain Robert Eckert, Camden (NJ) Fire Department; Eckert Fire Tactics LLC: “Chief Halton embodied the American fire service. He was a firefighter in every sense of the word. His legacy will span generations to come due to the many of us he has influenced. He was an advocate for the betterment and unity of the fire service worldwide.”
Brian Zaitz, First Vice President, International Society of Fire Service Instructors (ISFSI): “Bobby will be forever missed. As a member and advocate of the ISFSI, his countless efforts have always ensured that the ISFSI was successful in our shared vision for the fire service: the promotion of high-quality training and education. His gift to us will be how to love, shown through his strong love for the fire service, his faith, and his family.”
Ronald Siarnicki, Executive Director, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF): “It is not often you find an individual like Bobby Halton. Yes, he was a family man, a firefighter, a fire chief, a writer, an editor, an advocate, a mentor, and so much more—but above all, he was a friend to me and so many others. Bobby committed his time and energy toward making the fire service community better through education and training. He had a true passion for the fire service and a loyalty to the mission of protecting lives and property. His voice has been heard around the world and his work will continue to shape this industry—and prevent future loss—for years to come. What’s more, Bobby’s support of the NFFF helped so many of our Fire Hero Families, and for that we are eternally grateful.”
Angela White, President, North American Fire Training Directors (NAFTD): “Chief Halton was an avid supporter of NAFTD and understood the challenges faced by our members. His passion and generosity of spirit shone in his support for NAFTD member attendance and in his participation with the FDIC, where he would stop by to share his appreciation, resources, and encouragement. This fall, Chief Halton joined NAFTD during our annual conference and shared insights and time with members. We will all fondly remember him riding the carousel during our welcome reception, whooping as if he were riding a bronco! We have been blessed by Bobby’s friendship and enriched by his presence in our lives. His memory and influence live on in all of us.”
Angie Hughes, Past President, Women In Fire: “In the words of Bobby Halton, ‘To be heroic, there needs to be a vision of something far greater than oneself to which you are willing to abandon yourself, commit yourself, and gain absolutely nothing from it.’ To my hero, the fire service will never be the same without you. To my friend, the loss I feel is insurmountable. If you were lucky enough to know Bobby on a personal level, God gave you a true gift. He was authentic, courageous, and always spoke the truth. He left behind a legacy that no one can match.”
Diane Rothschild, Vice President, Editorial Director, Fire Engineering: “There will truly never be an editor of Fire Engineering like Bobby. His love for all things fire and all firefighters was evident. When we’d drive to the office in New Jersey, we’d pass an open fire station bay door with firefighters outside, or a unique feature at a building construction site, or fire department vehicles at a response, and he’d make me pull over so he could shake hands and chat with the personnel or take photos or go live on social media. Needless to say, we were always late to work! His enthusiasm was contagious. My world is now a little less bright without him.”
