Deceased: February 25, 1973
Nicknamed: ‘Bob’
Assistant Fire Chief Robert “Bob” Schwab reported to work on February 24, 1973. Later that afternoon, he and fire crews responded to a structure fire in the 700 block of N. Johnson St. Several hours later, while back at the fire station, Chief Schwab suffered a heart attack and, despite the resuscitation efforts from fellow firefighters, passed away at 44 years of age. Chief Schwab was survived by his wife, Eleanor, and three sons, Robert, Jerry, and Gary.
Born on April 15, 1928, Chief Schwab began his career as a Firefighter for the City of Amarillo on July 13, 1949. On December 1, 1952, he was transferred to Record Clerk, holding that position until he became a Fire Driver on September 1, 1953. He was promoted to Lieutenant on September 10, 1957, and then to Fire Captain on January 16, 1962. On March 1, 1962, he became Drillmaster of the Department, and under his proficient guidance, the training program attained the mark of excellence it holds today. Chief Schwab became an Assistant Fire Chief on January 1, 1968, and served the City of Amarillo until his untimely death with 24 years of dedicated service.
The Amarillo Fire Department will be forever grateful for Chief Schwab’s sacrifice.