City of Brownwood officials honored Brownwood Fire Department Captain Robert Myers in a retirement reception at the Depot Cultural and Civic Center on Friday afternoon.
Coworkers, friends and family attended the reception with gifts offering fond memories of Myers made over the years. Some of the special gifts presented to Myers included a firefighter’s axe mounted on a plaque, which was made by Fire Marshal Buddy Preston, and a pocket knife with firefighter’s insignia from his nephew.Myers worked 3 years as a firefighter before he began working with Brownwood Fire Department on April 18, 1991. He stated that he comes from a long line of firefighters, including an uncle who was a Fort Worth firefighter and another uncle who was the Deputy Chief in Midland. Myers worked under Captain Larry Perry when he first came to work for BFD. His uncle in Midland was Perry’s first Captain.
Fire Chief Del Albright said Myers has been an asset to both the department and to Albright personally.
“He’s going to be missed. There’s some big shoes to fill and experience (EMS experience) we are going to have to do without with his retirement,” said Chief Albright. “I’m going to miss his leadership.”
Albright explained that although he is the Chief of the department, Myers has been a helpful advisor many times. Albright has been with BFD as chief for 8 years and Myers’ seniority and experience was important to the Chief.
“We have had some really good, frank discussions about the department and personnel, I leaned on him for advice,” said Albright. “He was a good sounding board. Luckily since he will be staying local, I’m sure he will come by to visit.”
Myers stated that he has been working two jobs, as a fire captain with BFD and also as the Operations Manager for Heart of Texas EMS in Coleman since January 1st. With his retirement from BFD, he stated he will still be working one job but hopes to have some time to enjoy.
Of his time with BFD and many of his coworkers, he stated, “It was an adventure.”
Pictured at top Preston (right) presents Myers (left) with firefighter’s axe plaque.
Above are Myers and Chief Albright.
Myers is pictured with his retirement cake.
