Honoring a True Leader
The Odessa Fire Department has come to the end of an era. It is rare to find someone who is willing to sacrifice enough of their time to volunteer for their community in any capacity, let alone to be willing to put their life on the line. And then, every now and again, you come across someone who is willing to do even more, to dedicate all of their free time and energy, to be a mentor to those entering this crazy line of work, to lead their membership to be all that they can be. At the Odessa Fire Department we have been honored to have had this person in Robert Franklin. To say that he is well respected in the local emergency services community is a gross understatement. To say that he has been a "good" chief doesn't even begin to graze the surface. Bobby has been the driving force behind our department for more than his 14 years as chief and has led our department to become the well-trained and outstanding group that we have become. We are proud to have followed him to great heights in our achievements and welcome him warmly onto the emeritus rolls. It is impossible to properly show our appreciation for everything that Bobby has done for us, but we offer a sincere and humble "Thank You".
It is with deepest regret that we announce the passing of Past Chief Robert J. Franklin who lost his courageous battle with cancer on Sunday April 11, 2010. He was very pleased to have been able to attend our 100 year celebration and banquet on April 3, the day before his 46th birthday. He was a beloved and larger than life personality whose influence was felt throughout our region. He will be missed by so many, but his lessons will live on. Click here for the obituary: Bobby Franklin