PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Longtime firefighter Robert “Bob” Jackson was recognized for 44 years of dedicated service to the Presque Isle Fire Department during two events this year — a retirement party during the weekend of July 23 put on by fire department personnel and the other Sept. 29 during the city’s Employee Recognition Dinner at The Crow’s Nest.
Though the many years of service often kept Jackson away from his family, his daughter, Jamie Guerrette, said they understood how much it meant to him to be able to help others and took the minor inconvenience in stride.
“We’re very proud of him. Growing up with my Dad as a firefighter, I grew up spending many holidays at the station with him — Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter. It was really a family at the firehouse,” said Guerrette.
Guerrette said family life was built around expecting the unexpected.
“We were always ready for the tone to go off. He was always ready,” said Jackson’s daughter.
She said she admired her father’s dedication and devotion, noting his passion served as a life lesson to her.
“I have seen the pride my father has taken in the fire service. He was loyal to the other firefighters — truly a brotherhood. I am proud of my father and his character and dedication are stellar,” said Guerrette.
Jackson has touched the lives of many over the years, including firefighters he instructed in various courses.
“As stated at his retirement dinner, there are very few firefighters in the County that haven’t had him as an instructor. He has certainly passed his skills on to others,” Guerrette said.
For his many years of hard work and dedication, Jackson was honored in 2010 by being named State Firefighter of the Year.
Recognition continued last month, as Jackson was presented with an award for his 44 years of service to the community. Other Presque Isle firefighters recognized during the event were Nate Allen, whom Chief Darrell White praised for saving the life of another firefighter who was choking, and Vince Baldwin, whom White noted had “stepped up to the plate” and taken on added responsibilities, following city officials’ decision to incorporate the duties of code enforcement with those of the fire department.
